Education
Education needed to turn underprivileged children into asset: BGMEA President
Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has stressed the importance of creating educated and skilled human resources out of the underprivileged children and enabling them to participate in mainstream development.
“A large of number of underprivileged children still remains out of formal education. We have to ensure education for them to break the cycle of poverty for these children and turn them into asset for the country,” he said.
10,500 HSC, equivalent examinees to get scholarship: DSHE
The BGMEA president highlighted the significance of investing in education and skills development programs to equip less privileged children with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure employment and thus contribute to the economic development of Bangladesh, said a press release issued on Tuesday.
During his visit to the Shishukanon Pre-primary School in Saidpur today, which is established and operated by Manabik Shahajya Sangstha (MSS) for the children of disadvantaged people, Faruque highlighted the significance of investing in education and skills development programs.
Secondary schools can be shut if temperature drops below 10 C: DSHE
Director of Giant Group Sharmeen Hassan Tithi was also present during the visit.
The aim is to equip less privileged children with the knowledge and skills essential for securing employment, thereby contributing to the economic development of Bangladesh.
He spent time with the students of the school encouraging them to pursue education diligently.
He presented the students with educational materials, foods and toys and assured of his assistance in the future.
Nowfel wants new unis to refrain from running undergraduate courses at start of journey
The BGMEA President urged the affluent community to come forward and extend a helping hand in providing education for the underprivileged.
Collective efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for these children and, consequently, the nation, he added.
Secondary schools can be shut if temperature drops below 10 C: DSHE
Education authorities in any district can shut down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, said the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) in a circular on Tuesday.
Nowfel wants new unis to refrain from running undergraduate courses at start of journey
According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level shut if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.”
LDDP to train 600 veterinarians across the country
The institutions which will be shut due to low temperature will remain closed until the temperature rises above 10 degrees Celsius.
Venice hosts congress of Bangladeshi students in northern Italy
High Court orders to recruit 285 people with disabilities under quota in govt primary schools
The High Court (HC) today (January 14, 2024) ordered the authorities concerned to recruit 285 people with disabilities on the basis of quota in government primary schools in upazilas of the country.
The court also ordered to complete the recruitment process within 90 days.
An HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zeenat Haque passed the order after hearing a petition in this regard.
Advocate Mohammad Siddique Ullah Miah stood for the petitioners in the court while Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta represented the state.
Read more: Prime Minister's Gold Medalist returns awards for education in disgust over corrupt teacher recruitment process at RU
Calling the HC order an exemplary verdict, Advocate Siddique Ullah expressed hope that the authorities concerned will execute the order soon.
A total of 245 candidates with disabilities submitted a writ petition with the HC challenging the legality of not recruiting them despite a quota.
Secretaries to the ministries of Primary and Mass Education and Public Administration, and director general of the Directorate of Primary Education were made respondents to the rule.
Last year, the government recruited 37,574 people for primary schools as assistant teachers.
On January 17 of the same year, the HC ordered to reserve posts for 114 people with disabilities in government primary schools in upazilas across the country.
Read more: Mohibul becomes minister of education
Moreover, the HC issued a rule asking to explain as to why people with disabilities won’t be recruited under the quota.
On December 11 last year, the final hearing of the petition ended but the court set January 14 this year for delivering the verdict.
Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad
Annually, thousands of students embark on a journey beyond their borders to pursue higher education. This adventure, although promising, can be laden with challenges. To navigate these waters successfully, students must arm themselves with a set of skills that transcend academic prowess. This guide delves into the top ten skills indispensable for a rewarding study abroad experience.
10 Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad
Independence: The Foundation of Overseas Education
Independence is the most significant transformation students encounter when studying abroad. It's a multifaceted skill encompassing self-reliance and responsibility. From basic chores like laundry and grocery shopping to more complex tasks like managing personal finances and making informed decisions, independence is critical. Developing problem-solving skills to tackle unexpected challenges is equally important, as it ensures students can handle various situations without constant guidance.
Read more: 10 Essential Life Skills for Teens to Learn before College
Research and Planning: Your Blueprint for Success
A thorough understanding of your destination's culture, legal system, and day-to-day life is vital. This means researching not just your academic institution and its curriculum, but also local customs, public transportation, and essential services. Effective planning helps mitigate culture shock and eases the transition, making your study abroad experience more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
Financial Literacy: Navigating Economic Waters Abroad
Mastering local banking systems and effective budgeting are paramount. Learn how to open a bank account, manage transactions, and understand currency exchange rates. Budgeting becomes a lifeline abroad; it involves setting realistic spending limits for various needs, including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Regularly tracking expenses helps avoid financial pitfalls and ensures a sustainable lifestyle.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Bridging the Gap
Adapting to a new culture requires a deep understanding of both verbal and non-verbal communication. This includes being aware of cultural norms in conversation, greetings, and gestures. Respectful and empathetic communication is key to forming meaningful relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. Embracing the local language, even at a basic level, can significantly enrich interactions and open doors to deeper cultural insights.
Adaptability and Empathy: The Heart of Cultural Immersion
The ability to adapt to new environments and empathize with different cultures is crucial. This skill is about more than just surviving; it's about thriving in a foreign setting. Adaptability means being open to new experiences, whether it’s adjusting to different academic structures or embracing unique social customs. Empathy allows you to appreciate and respect cultural differences, fostering a more inclusive and enriching experience.
AL Pledges to Expand Modern Urban Facilities to Every Village in Smart Bangladesh
Ahead of the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Election, the ruling Awami League has announced its election manifesto, committing to extend modern urban amenities to every village.
The manifesto, with the slogan “Smart Bangladesh: Visible Development, Increased Employment,” was announced by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (December 27, 2023) at the Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon in Dhaka.
The manifesto promises to enhance the quality of life in villages by providing improved roadways, communication, clean drinking water, modern healthcare and medical treatment, quality education, advanced sanitation and waste management, increased electricity and fuel supply, computer and high-speed internet facilities, and expanded markets. These initiatives aim to bring all the comforts of modern cities to every village.
In Smart Bangladesh Awami League seeks more safeguards for minorities, end of intolerance
To ensure a reliable fuel supply, the party plans to continue encouraging and supporting the installation of biogas plants and solar panels on a group basis. The establishment of agricultural machinery service centers and workshops in villages will expand rural mechanization services, including machinery repair. This initiative will also provide training for rural youth and agricultural entrepreneurs, promoting productive employment.
The manifesto includes plans for private sector investment and loan support for small and marginal entrepreneurs manufacturing and marketing light machinery. In line with the economic development of villages, cultural, sports, and entertainment programs will be expanded. This approach is expected to reduce the urban migration trend among rural youth by creating self-employment opportunities within villages. The government will fully support young people's involvement in agriculture, industry, and business.
AL Manifesto on Significant Steps to Foster Women Entrepreneurs
Awami League says that during its previous tenure, roads in every upazila were improved and expanded, connecting each village to upazila headquarters and linking upazilas to district headquarters and national highways. Every village has been ensured electricity supply. Drinking water and sanitation facilities have been enhanced and will be further improved. The government has taken over the expenses of primary and secondary schools, and financial support is being provided for teachers' salaries in private schools. Hospitals with 50 beds in upazilas are being upgraded to 100-bed facilities. Community clinics are bringing healthcare services to the doorstep of rural residents. Every union now has computer and internet service centers, providing employment opportunities to rural youth and facilitating communication nationally and internationally.
Awami League’s Manifesto: Mega Projects for Accelerating Economic Momentum
The expansion of communication, electricity, and internet services has accelerated rural production and market systems. Agricultural inputs have become more accessible, and the market for agricultural products has expanded. The extension of agricultural technology and the development of cottage and small industries are being expedited. Activities in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors have multiplied significantly in rural areas.
Higher Education Abroad: How Bangladeshis Can Open Student Files
Every year, thousands of Bangladeshi students go abroad for higher studies. Researches show that the number of students going abroad has tripled over the last 15 years. With such a huge volume of students going abroad, there is a natural question: How are the living costs or the tuition fees transferred from Bangladesh? This is where the student file comes in.
What is a Student File?
According to the regulation of Bangladesh Bank, there is no direct channel to send money to a foreign account from an existing local savings/current account. There is also a limit on how much foreign currency can be carried in each foreign trip (US$ 12,000) as well as a limit on credit card payments.
In such a scenario, a student opting to study abroad faces an imminent challenge regarding tuition fee payment or remitting the cost of living. Some European universities require students to maintain a “Block Account” which essentially withholds the entire cost of study and disburses locally to the students as per their need.
Read more: Study in Ireland: Application process, cost for international students
A student file essentially bypasses this regulation legally where the bank remits the payment on behalf of the student. A student file is the only authorized way through which a student can send their tuition fee or remit the living cost abroad.
How to Open a Student File?
The process of opening a student file is pretty straightforward. At first, the student or their legal guardian needs to open a savings account with a relevant bank that offers the student file service. After that, the bank can entertain the request for opening a student account.
Typically, a student account can be opened on the same day as that of the application. The cost of opening a student file and the documents required vary from bank to bank.
Read more: Study in Thailand: Admission process, cost for International Students
But first, here’s what’s needed to open a savings account.
- Passport-size picture of the account holder (to be attested by the introducer)- NID/ Passport copy - Passport-size picture of the nominee - NID/Passport copy of the nominee - Utility bill copy (for address verification).
Typically, the following documents are required for opening a student file in any bank.
- All academic certificates (original and copy)- All academic transcripts (original and copy)- IELTS certificate - Copy of passport - Visa document - Acceptance letter from the university - Tuition and living cost certificate - Detailed information about the financer.
Read more: Higher Study Opportunities in Turkey for International Students: Process, Cost
Which Banks Provide Student File Service?
Several leading banks in Bangladesh provide student file service including some government banks. However, it is important to note that due to the recent dollar crunch and new regulations from Bangladesh Bank, some banks are not opening new student files but are continuing to operate the existing ones. Also, having a savings account in the relevant bank is a key prerequisite for opening a student file.
Haileybury ranks 5th among UK’s leading IB schools
Haileybury UK has surged to the fifth position from 16th among UK’s leading independent schools for International Baccalaureate (IB) performance, according to The Sunday Times’ Parent Power Guide ranking.
The legacy of Haileybury has now been extended to Bangladesh through Haileybury Bhaluka, the country’s first international boarding school promising a foundation for successful and illuminated lives to students in this part of the world, according to a press release.
The boarding school has recently secured improved ranking, based on the average performance of IB outcomes, A ‘Level, and GCSE. The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide is widely known as the most authoritative ranking of the UK’s top schools, and it ranks the 400 best state secondary and grammar schools, it said.
Read more: Non-cadre aspirants stage sit-in in front of PSC
“The improvement in the ranking proves Haileybury’s dedication to outstanding education for its pupils. The standard of Haileybury schools sustains on the wholehearted efforts of its teachers, staff and of course the students and guardians who believe in Haileybury. The recognition by The Sunday Times surely is gratifying for Haileybury academics across the world,” said Simon O’Grady, headmaster of Haileybury Bhaluka.
Haileybury’s ethos centre around the importance of education, which includes outstanding pastoral support and extra-curricular provision. Students from Haileybury have achieved 39 Average IB Points with a 100 percent passing rate at IBDP results, said the release.
“Our UK students from the class of 2024 have joined Ivy League and Russell Group universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and LSE. At Haileybury Bhaluka, we intend to recreate and better these achievements – one reason why all teacher leaders at our school are Harvard-certified,” said Dr Sandeep Ananthanarayanan, academic director of Haileybury Bhaluka.
Haileybury has also been ranked the #1 fully coeducational IB Independent school in the UK, the 85th best UK independent school overall (for Cambridge and IB results), and the 31st best independent school in the Southeast UK, it added.
Haileybury Bhaluka is offering similar streaks of academic excellence and comprehensive growth for its students (https://haileybury.com.bd/) in Bangladesh, the release also said.
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HSC, equivalent exams 2023: Number of GPA-5 falls by almost 50%
A total of 92,0365 students have received GPA-5 in 2023 HSC and equivalent exams – an almost 50 percent decline compared to 2022. In 2022, a total of 176,282 students obtained GPA-5.
Education Minister Dipu Moni handed over the result summary to the prime minister earlier this morning (November 26, 2023).
Also read: HSC, equivalent exams 2023: Pass rate drops more than 7% compared to last year
Later, chairmen of different education boards handed over the results of their respective boards to the PM.
This year, a total of 13,74,488 students sat for HSC and equivalent exams from August 17 to September 25. Of them, 698,135 are boys, and 676,353 are girls.
Also read: PM unveils HSC, equivalent results
Uncertainty, tension grip students, parents amid raging political crisis
The persistent anti-government political programmes enforced by BNP and like-minded political parties have cast a shadow over academic activities in Dhaka and parts of Bangladesh.
Many schools and colleges in the capital have remained open despite the blockades but students’ attendance has dropped remarkably. Many guardians are reluctant to send their children to schools and colleges, especially those who live far from the educational institutions.
Additionally, educational institutions have been forced to postpone scheduled exams, compounding the stress and uncertainty over students' studies.
Read: BNP’s like-minded parties announce fresh 48-hour blockade from Wednesday
The latest bout of the political turmoil saw a nationwide hartal on October 29. After the end of a three-day blockade on October 31, a two-day blockade is currently underway on November 5 and 6. This ongoing situation has left students and parents in a state of panic, with fears of a more challenging political situation throughout November and December.
The implications of this political unrest are most profound in divisional cities and district headquarters, including the capital.
Talking to the UNB reporter, many parents said they are particularly concerned about the safety of their children during their commute to and from school in these challenging times.
Almost all educational institutions in the capital, including Motijheel Ideal School and College, Banasree Ideal School and College, Viqarunnisa Noon School and College Main Branch and Bashundhara Branch, Government Laboratory High School, Motijheel Government Girls High School, Rampura Ekramunnesa Girls' School, Rajuk Uttara Model School and College, and Banani Bidyaniketan, have reported a significant decrease in attendance.
Read: Bus carrying passengers set on fire in Dhaka’s Gulistan
Some English medium schools have been forced to close indefinitely, while others have resorted to holding classes online.
Parents are increasingly concerned about the disparities between physical and online classes and are uncertain about the upcoming half-yearly exams.
Sarwar Alam, a parent of a child studying at English medium school 'Play-Pen' located in Bashundhara, said, “We've shifted to online classes. However, there are noticeable disparities between physical classroom instruction and online learning. With the upcoming half-yearly exam scheduled for November 10, I am uncertain about how this examination will be carried out.”
Ruhul Amin, a parent of a student at Ideal School and College, expressed the dilemma many parents are facing. “My two children study at Ideal School’s Banasree branch. I didn't allow my children to come to school during the previous phase of the hartal and blockade. They missed a week of school. Now it is happening again. Who knows how long this will last? That's why I brought my child to school again. But there is a sense of fear within us, wondering what will happen and when,” he said.
The anxiety and concerns of parents are echoed by Abdul Majid Sujan, general secretary of the guardians’ forum at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College. “The children's annual examination is scheduled to be held this month. Meanwhile, the continuous strike and blockade are creating panic among parents. We are afraid and worried about sending the children to school, especially when it comes to traveling on the road,”
Read: DMP chief announces Tk 20,000 reward for help with catching arsonists
Director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Professor Mohammad Belal Hossain, said that the annual evaluation of schools will start on November 9, with the goal of completing the examination by November 30.
However, if the situation deteriorates, decisions will be made in consultation with higher authorities, he said.
According to the previous schedule, the annual evaluation for class VI and VII students under the new curriculum was scheduled to begin on November 5 but has now been rescheduled to start on November 9.
The impact of these disruptions extends beyond the capital, with divisional and district towns also experiencing low student turnout.
In response to the evolving situation, schools have received revised schedules for examinations. Parents are left with no choice but to take risks and send their children to schools despite the uncertain circumstances.
EUB holds its first convocation
European University of Bangladesh (EUB) organised its first convocation in 11 years since its establishment.
The convocation was held in the capital's International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) on Tuesday.
Students will be assessed based on their skills in the new curriculum: Dipu Moni
About 7,559 graduates from 2012 to the fall semester of 2020 participated in the convocation. One student was awarded the Chancellor's Award, and eight received the Vice-Chancellor's Award for outstanding academic performance, according to a press release.
Deputy Minister of Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury presided over the convocation ceremony on behalf of President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
Vested interests campaigning against new curriculum
The Chairman of the EUB Board of Trustees and former Home Minister, Dr Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir was the special guest.
Professor Dr Md Sazzad Hossain, a member of the University Grants Commission, Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairman of Dhaka School of Economics (DScE), Eng Md Alim Dad, Vice-Chancellor of the European University of Bangladesh, was also present among others.
DU confers honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Bangabandhu
The private university, located in Dhaka, was established in 2012 under the "Private University Act of 1992". Currently, the university conducts its educational programmes at its permanent campus in Gabtoli.