DU
'Films, television can be strong drivers of social transformation, change'
Films and television can be strong drivers of social change and can have a transformative effect on society, Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman said Monday.
He was speaking at the 11th-anniversary celebration of the Department of Television, Film, and Photography of DU.
"This department not only provides professional training but also teaches the students to think critically. It helps them develop an innovative mindset too," Akhtaruzzaman said.
"Also, there is an opportunity for this department to further strengthen the industry-academia relationship as the guest teachers of this department are directly connected with the media industry," he added.
The daylong programme was held at the Teacher-Student Center (TSC) auditorium of the university.
Akhtauzzaman inaugurated the event as the chief guest around 12.30pm. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor ASM Maksud Kamal and the founding chairman of the Department of Television, Film, and Photography Professor AJM Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan were also present.
Read more: Open master’s programs at DU to start from 2022-23 academic session
Open master’s programs at DU to start from 2022-23 academic session
The Dhaka University Syndicate has taken a decision to admit students from other universities in regular Master's degree courses of the university, subject to the availability of seats.
“Students, who have completed their graduation from any recognised (public and private) university of Bangladesh and are willing take master’s degree from Dhaka University, can apply for admission in DU if there are available seats in the department from 2022-23 academic year,” said a policy paper approved by DU syndicate recently.
However, applicants from any university other than Dhaka University can apply for the masters programs in Dhaka University if the minimum requirements set by the individual departments meet as the admission process will be controlled and conducted by individual departments and institutes.
Read More: ICT division partners withBrac Kumon to spread Japanese method of learning
On the other hand, Dhaka University syndicate, the highest policy making authority of DU, has imposed a minimum requirement that the applicants have to obtain at least CGPA 3.25 in their bachelor program though there is no ban on age and academic session.
After fulfilling all the requirements set by individual departments and institutes, applicants have to sit for a 100-mark examination and a viva voce to take final admission. The exam will be held against the available seats and top scorers will be allowed to take admission.
However, foreign students can also avail this opportunity with the residential facility while Bangladeshi students will not be able to avail residential facilities as they will be considered as Non-resident.
Read More: 6th convocation of Jahangirnagar University on February 25
“DU authority has removed the age and academic session ban from this program so that the students from all walks of life can avail this opportunity. In our country, we have a culture that most of our students take admission in post-graduation courses immediately after completing the bachelor’s degree but in most of the countries of the world, students do their master’s program much later. The decision has been taken to ensure inclusiveness quality education,” prof. Zia Rahman, dean of social science faculty told UNB.
“As all general students do not enrol in master's programs after graduation, some seats remain available. To provide our best service, both outsider students and former DU students will get the same opportunity by paying the same tuition for the standard Master's program,” he added.
Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said, “In order to promote inclusiveness and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone, we are allowing graduates from other public universities and UGC-approved institutions to enrol in our bachelor's programs.”
Read More: World keeps silent as Afghan govt stops education for women: PM Hasina
“Private universities are also approved by UGC, so student, who completed the undergraduate courses, will be considered as worthy to admit to these masters’ courses and through this they will have the opportunity so take the subject they like,” he added
Earlier, students other than Dhaka University could not avail the opportunity to take master’s degree from Dhaka University but for the first time DU took this academic initiative to provide and create an inter-academic, inclusive and lifelong education system.
DU students take to roads for safe campus
Students of Dhaka University held protest rallies to make a safe campus and launched campaigns to control the vehicles in the campus area.
At 11am on Sunday, students started gathering at the foot of the anti-terrorist Raju monument where they observed a minute of silence by taping their mouths and eyes to symbolize the inaction of the administration for a safe campus and pressed an 11-point demand for a safe campus.
During the campaign, students stopped various vehicles inside the campus area and redirected them if they found the vehicles unwanted in the campus.
Protesting students are staying at VC Chattar of the University till now. Most of the students are from 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic session of Dhaka University.
Read more: Horrific death on DU campus: Ex-teacher sued
After that they went to the important roads of the campus to control traffic in the campus area.
"Everyday 37,000 regular students move around the campus putting their life in security risk. Last Friday, a woman was dragged to death on the campus by a private car," one of protesters said, demanding to ensure a safe campus for students.
"This campus is not a racing ground but during night time, outsiders come to the campus and most often they do car racing and motorcycle racing. Heavy vehicles also move around the campus which is very risky for the students. Anything could happen anytime," another student said seeking anonymity.
DU IBA lifts Unilever Bangladesh's BizMaestros 2022 trophy
After a challenging contest among the top six finalists, team Extra Drill from the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka (IBA DU) lifted the coveted champion's trophy of Unilever Bangladesh's BizMaestros 2022.
The final event saw teams from the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP); the Faculty of Business Studies (FBS), and IBA of DU.
The champion team of Sibbir Riyan, Akibur Rahman and Ferdous Hasan will now prepare for a greater stage, the international level of the competition – Unilever Future Leaders' League (FLL) 2023, that will take place in London with participants from universities across the world.
The first runner-up title was awarded to Team Inmates of Ishrat Jahan Ikra, Syed Fatin Ishraq, and Naeem Abrar from DU.
Team Final Gambit was named the second runner-up. The second runner-up team members are Marjuka Ahmed Chowdhury, Shelachi Mitra, and GM Naimuz Saadat from BUP.
The overarching theme of BizMaestros this year was "Bangladesh Rising With U." The theme focused on the potential and possibilities that the youth dividend can lead Bangladesh from their respective areas of skills and passion.
As a platform for skilling youth for employability and entrepreneurship, BizMaestros provides the participants hands-on training, mentorship and exposure to the ways of work of leading FMCG brands throughout various rounds of the competition.
Also, the members of the top six teams will get fast-tracked into internship and management trainee programme opportunities with Unilever Bangladesh.
The grand finale event was held on Tuesday at a Dhaka hotel where the finalist teams were evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges.
Read more: Unilever Bangladesh wins 'Asia's Best Employer Brands 2022' award
To develop leadership and analytical skills for the future among the youth, BizMaestros 2022 kicked off early in October. More than 270 teams from over 30 campuses participated in the first round where the three-member teams, from their undergraduate final year, submitted their unique solutions to real business cases.
Following a competitive and challenging round, the top 30 teams were forwarded to the semi-final and the top six teams to the final round.
Read more: 'The Dependables' wins Unilever BizMaestros 2021
Two-day photo exhibition on ‘arson terrorism’ kicks off at DU
A two-day photo exhibition on what is described as the ‘arson terrorism’ carried out in the country from 2013-15, centering the 10th parliamentary elections till 2015 was launched at TSC of University of Dhaka (DU) on Saturday.
Tanvir Hasan Saikat, former member of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and current deputy social service secretary of Bangladesh Chattra League (BCL) central unit, organised the exhibition to make people aware of the atrocity of arson terrorism.
A total of 38 pictures published in several media and some unpublished on the arson terrorism were displayed on the exhibition, he said adding that number of pictures might be increased at the exhibition to be continued till Sunday evening.
DU suspends student for ‘harassing’ female private university student
Dhaka University authorities have suspended a student, also an activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League, allegedly for harassing a female student on Tuesday in front of Raju sculptor memorial on the university campus.
The suspended student is Najmul Alam, a residential student of Masterda Surja Sen Hall and postgraduate student of Institute of Social Welfare and Research of Dhaka University. He is also an activist of Master Da Surja Sen hall Chhatra League.
"Najmul has been suspended for his misbehaviour with a student of a private university on the night of November 1," said a DU press release.
He has been asked to respond within next seven days explaining why he should not be expelled from university.
Read more: DU student allegedly harasses Brac University student on campus
The student allegedly slapped and harassed a girl, who is a law student of Brac University, on the campus during the early hours on Tuesday.
But the DU student contradicted and accused the girl of assaulting him.
Najmul said the girl was filming floating people who were asleep on footpath.
He said that he stopped along with a friend as he was returning on a bike to the university dormitory when he saw the girl and her friends.
He said he asked why the girl and her friends were filming the floating people without their permission.
An altercation broke out, prompting the girl to slap Najmul, he said. Najmul also retaliated and slapped the girl back.
In a video posted online it was seen that the girl using abusive words and slapping the boy.
According to an audio recorded by a witness some details have come out.
"After my birthday celebration, I was standing in front of the sculpture with my friends and taking pictures. At that time two boys stopped their bike and started questioning us using bad words against me. They teased me and slapped me when I protested," the girl was heard in the audio.
Najmul told UNB that the girl also used abusive words when he questioned their presence on the campus during early hours on Tuesday.
Read more: Female student complains of harassment at DU dorm
He said they were filming the people who were asleep on the footpaths and attires of the floating people were not in order.
"When I asked why the girl was taking pictures of the people without their consent, she said her father has the ability to buy the entire DU campus multiple times," he added.
"When I took my mobile phone to record her abusive words, she again insulted me,” he said.
"At one point she slapped me, and I slapped her in return,” he said.
The girl filed a complaint with the Proctor’s office on Tuesday.
DU observes Sheikh Russel Day
On the occasion of the 58th birth anniversary of Shaheed Sheikh Russell, the youngest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, people have paid tribute to him by placing flowers at his mural.
Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, directors and chairmen of different organisations and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel presented floral wreaths on the mural of Sheikh Russel at University Laboratory School and College of University of Dhaka.
After paying tribute to the mural of Sheikh Russel, a discussion session was arranged by University Laboratory school and College.
DU vice-chancellor prof. Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the discussion session by cutting a cake.
Acting Principal of University Laboratory School and College Mrs. Selina presided over the meeting and Director of Education and Research Institute Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Halim delivered the welcoming speech.
Read: Sheikh Russel’s murder a stain on Bangladesh’s conscience: Sajeeb Wazed
Among others DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Samad, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof. Dr. ASM Maqsood Kamal, Treasurer Prof. Mumtaz Uddin Ahmed, University Laboratory Ex-Students Association (ULESA) President Naeem Ahmed Khan, and Sheikh Russel's classmate Prof. Fawzia Banu were present in the discussion session. The vice chancellor said, "Sheikh Russell was a 4th grade student at the University Laboratory School and College. He had some extraordinary qualities like honesty, articulation and friendly."
"If the little Russell of that day were alive, he would have been a mature man of 59 years today and could have led the work of building a golden Bengal of Bangabandhu. But the merciless bullets of the assassins did not allow that to happen," he added.
Later, The Vice-Chancellor called upon the new generation to become worthy citizens by keeping the values of Sheikh Russell.
Mentioned, Sheikh Russell was a student of University Laboratory School and College of Dhaka University. He was born on 18th October of 1964 and killed by the assassin on 15th August of 1975 at the age of 11.
However, Leaders and activists of different hall units of Dhaka University of Chhatra League led by president of university branch Sanjit Chandra Das and GS Saddam Hussain paid tribute to Sheikh Russell's mural by offering flowers.
Dhaka University Chhatra League unit also launched a food distribution program among the street children and needy people to mark the birthday of Sheikh Russel.
The food distribution program will be held at Oparajito Shadhinota Chottor in front of TSC at 5 pm.
Chhatra League: The more it pledges to change, the more it remains the same
A faction of Dhaka University's Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall Chhatra League has abused and removed a legal student from his allocated room on allegations of occupation.
Mohammad Saiful Islam, the victim, is a third-year student of Mass Communication and Journalism department of the university. He was allocated to room no 562 by the hall administration.
When talking to UNB, Saiful said, "I along with some of my friends were eating in my room. Suddenly some BCL activists came and asked my identity. When I showed them my allotment document, they rejected it and said that administrative allocation is of no use as they are the ones who control the halls."
"Later they abused me physically and forcefully removed me from my room. They also abused my friends," he added.
Saiful has lodged a complaint accusing five BCL activists with the hall administration, seeking safety and his room back.
The accused BCL activists are Shoriful Islam, 3rd year student of Management department, Shakhawat Ovi, 3rd year student of Institute of Social Welfare and Research(ISWR), Sheikh Imran Islam Emon from the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management(THM), Muntasir Hossen, a 3rd year student of Islamic Studies Department and Shakhawat Hossen Shanto, a post graduate student of Institute of Education and Research (IER).
All the accused are the followers of Mohammad Hossain, General Secretary of Mohsin Hall BCL unit.
Read: DU Student allegedly beaten by BCL man in the hall
According to an eye witness, two more BCL activists, namely Tawhidul Islam from Islamic Studies department’s 2017-2018 session and Mohammad Samin Chowdhury from Psychology department’s 2017-2018 session were involved in the occupation of the room.
When asked about the incident, Hossain said "Our boys used to live in that room three months ago. An elder brother had given them the seat. Later, there was trouble because another elder brother of ours named Rocky wanted to give the seat to an outsider student. I don't know more than that.”
But others said that a student used to stay in the room till last night. After he left the room today, Saiful went up to the room after getting allotment from the hall authority.
Following the incident, resident teachers of the hall Ainul Islam and Md Emaul Haque Sarker Titu locked the room for the time being.
"Administrative action will be taken against anyone responsible after investigation," Ainul said.
Prof Masudur Rahman, Provost of Mohsin Hall, said that the hall authorities have taken control of the room and a decision will be taken to return the room to the legitimate student after thorough investigation.
Times Higher Education Rankings 2023: DU, NSU ranked top Bangladeshi universities
Dhaka University (DU) and North South University (NSU) have been ranked as the top two Bangladeshi universities in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 – which includes 1,799 universities across 104 countries and regions – placed DU and NSU between 601 and 800 higher education institutions worldwide.
The ranking is based on 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators that measure an institution's performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) were placed between 1201 and 1500 universities worldwide.
The University of Oxford topped the ranking for the seventh consecutive year. Harvard University remained in second place, but the University of Cambridge jumped from joint fifth last year to joint third.
The US was the most-represented country overall, with 177 institutions, and also the most represented in the top 200 (58).
China had the fourth-highest number of institutions in the top 200 (11, compared to 10 last year), having overtaken Australia, which dropped to fifth (jointly with the Netherlands).
Five countries entered the ranking for the first time – all of them in Africa (Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Mauritius).
Harvard topped the teaching pillar. Oxford led the research pillar.
BCL 'swoops on' Chhatra Odhikar's Abrar Fahad remembrance rally at DU
At least 12 people were hurt as leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) "swooped" on a rally brought out by the Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad on the Dhaka University (DU) campus Friday in remembrance of Buet student Abrar Fahad.
Abrar, a second-year student of the electrical and electronic engineering department of Buet (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology) died on October 7, 2019, after he was mercilessly beaten by the university's Chhatra League men over his Facebook post criticising the government's deals with India.
Today, the Chhatra League men attacked the protest rally at Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture organised to observe Abrar's third death anniversary.
As the protest programme began, Chhatra League activists launched attacks from the university's Teacher-Student Centre, vandalised the chairs and public announcement system, tore off the posters and burned them. They also chased Chhatra Adhikar Parishad men towards Shahbagh, brandishing chairs and sticks.
Read: BCL factional clash leaves eight injured at Chattogram College
BCL Vice-President Mohin Uddin, Joint General Secretary Mahbub Khan, Organising Secretary Nazim Uddin, Private University Affairs Secretary Al Amin Rahman; deputy office affairs secretaries Shimul Khan, Abdur Rahim; Jahurul Haque Hall unit President Kamal Uddin Rana, General Secretary Rubel Hossain, and other leaders and activists of the ruling party's student wing carried out the attack, reports our DU correspondent.
The clash left over a dozen injured from Chhatra Odhikar and Chhatra League and they were rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) where another brawl broke out.
Zahid Ahsan, library secretary of the DU Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, and Chhatra League Central Committee Organising Secretary Nazim Uddin were among the injured.
Bin Yamin Mollah, president of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, told UNB that the BCL men injured 12 of their activists during a "peaceful programme," without any provocation. "As I went to see them at Dhaka Medical college hospital, BCL again attacked us."
BCL Joint General Secretary Mahbub Khan said Chhatra Odhikar Parishad leaders and activists were holding the programme with outsiders and fundamentalists on the DU campus. "When we asked them whether they were university students, they attacked us. Later, the university's students stopped them."