education
BUET admission 2023-24: pre-selection test held
Pre-selection test for Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) for academic session 2023-24 was held at BUET campus in two phases today (Saturday).
The one-hour-long pre-selection phases started from 10am and 3 pm consecutively.
The result of these pre-selection is expected to be published on February 29 as the press notification, signed by BUET public relation officer Shofiur Rahman, said.
A total of 17,428 students were selected for the pre-selection test of a total of 100 marks, of which at least 6000 students will be selected for the main test, two hours long written test and of total 400 marks, which is scheduled to be held on March 9.
The final test will be held in two segments as module A and module B.
The main examination will consist of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry for Module-A 'A' and 'B' groups from 10 am to 12 pm.The exam for Module-B of ‘B’ group will start from 2 pm and continue till 3.30 pm on free handwriting, visual and spatial acuity.
The final result of the main test is expected to be published on march 31.
This year there are only 1309 seats available in the BUET of which at least 4 seats are reserved for tribal quota.
Inter-School Bangla Olympiad held
The Inter-School Bangla Olympiad was held in grand style with the participation of a large number of students from English medium and English version schools on Saturday.
The competition related to Bengali language with the participation of English medium and English version schools of the country is organized by International Hope School Bangladesh located in Uttara of the capital in the month of language.
A total of 1630 students from 120 branches of 85 schools across the country participated in the various events while the prize giving ceremony will be held on March 2.
At the beginning of the programme, Shimul Mustafa recited poems and gave a speech while Roksana Zarin, Principal of International Hope School Bangladesh delivered a welcome speech.
During the day-long programme, the contestants participated in various age-wise categories in essay writing, recitation, dance, song, drawing, quiz and extempore speech.
This year, like other times, the advisors and judges of this competition are eminent educators-writers-artists of the country.
National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Soumitra Shekhar, and Director General of the International Mother Language Institute Dr. Hakim Arif.
Competitions are held in seven groups of several categories – Essay, Recitation, Music, Painting, Extempore Speech, Dance and Bengali Quiz.
Anti-rape graffiti over Bangabandhu’s portrait at JU: 2 Chhatra Union leaders sued
A case has been filed against Jahangirnagar University Chhatra Union president Amartya Roy and general secretary Anindya Ganguly for drawing anti-rape graffiti over Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait on the campus.
JU Chief Security Officer Sudipto Shahin filed the case on behalf of the university at Ashulia Police Station on Thursday afternoon.
2 JU Chhatra Union leaders suspended for drawing anti-rape graffiti over Bangabandhu’s portrait
"According to the decision of the university syndicate, the case has been filed under the state law. I have completed the work of the case at Ashulia Police Station this afternoon,” said Shahin.
Earlier on February 20, the university administration expelled them for one year at a special syndicate meeting.
JU fires Johnny following prolonged probe into allegations of sexual harassment
On February 7, a section of the university's Chhatra Union (Amartya Roy-Riddha Anindya) reportedly painted anti-rape graffiti by removing Bangabandhu's potrait on the wall of the new arts building of the university.
Protesting the incident, two Chhatra League leaders sat on a hunger strike for four consecutive days since February 15 demanding capital punishment for those involved.
University Vice-Chancellor Prof Nurul Alam met the hunger strikers on the night of February 18 and assured them of punishment for those involved.
DU defends allegations of entry test question paper leakage as ‘rumour’
Just a few hours prior to the entry tests of Arts, Law and Social Science faculties, the Dhaka University (DU) authority defended itself regarding the allegations of admission test question paper leakage, saying it just a ‘rumour’ spread on social media including Facebook on Thursday morning.
The admission tests of the three faculties under a single unit are scheduled to be held between 11 am to 12.30 pm on Friday in the country’s eight divisional headquarters including Dhaka.
DU student suspected to be militant operative detained at Jagannath University
On Thursday morning, rumours spread on social media that the question paper of the entry test was available in exchange for money and the admission aspirants were asked to contact through Telegrams to have those.
The aspirants were asked to pay Tk 20, 000 in advance and the rest Tk 30, 000 will have to be paid post the examination.
Dhaka University celebrates tapestry of festivals Wednesday
Asked about the rumour, Prof Zia Rahman, dean of Social Science Faculty and chief coordinator of the admission test, said, "The rumour that spread on social media about question paper leakage makes no sense at all to us.”
“Those (rumours) are totally misinformation. No one even can predict the process of this admission test and there is no chance of question out. We are one hundred percent confident about ourselves and our efforts. I think we will be able to conduct the admission test peacefully and transparently," he asserted.
‘Amader Ei Potaka’: Chhayanaut, Dhaka University celebrate V- Day 2023
DU Proctor Prof Makshudur Rahman told UNB that the things spread on social media were false and baseless.
Clearing their stance against the issue, he said an unscrupulous section wants to earn money by fooling people.
He, however, said they informed the law enforcement agencies about the rumour shortly after they had apprised of the matter. “They (law enforcers) are working on it to identify them.”
A total of 1, 12, 278 students submitted applications against 2,944 seats, meaning one student will have to compete with 37 others to secure his or her position.
The candidates will be able to download admit cards till 10 am on Friday.
The admission aspirants will have to overcome MCQ and broad question hurdles in two segments while 60 marks on MCQ basis will be from English, Bangla and General Knowledge and the rest 40 marks in the written test. The written part consists of Bangla and English.
EWU marks International Mother Language Day 2024
The East West University (EWU) on Wednesday observed the International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibash at its permanent campus in the capital’s Aftabnagar.
The programme began with a 'probhat feri' in the Aftabnagar area, and placing wreaths at the ‘Shaheed Minar’ on the EWU campus.
The EWU Clubs for Performing Arts (ECPA) organised a special cultural programme titled “Obinashwar Bahanno” which showcased a variety of activities to highlight the country’s diverse culture through talks, dances, recitations, and poster presentations.
The discussion programme was joined by Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Chief Adviser and founder Vice Chancellor of the EWU as the chief guest. H N Ashequr Rahman, a Member of the EWU Board of Trustees, joined the discussion as the special guest, while Professor Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of the EWU was the chair.
Ekushey Padak and Rabindra Puroshkar-winning prominent researcher and academician Professor Syed Akram Hossain joined as the keynote speaker of the session.
The discussants at the event concentrated on the accomplishments of the language movement on February 21, 1952, a day that commemorates the language movement in Dhaka and was instrumental in making Bangla the official language and, eventually, Bangladesh's independence in 1971. They urge the students of the EWU to disseminate the spirit of the language movement towards the nation as much as possible.
Members of the Board of Trustees of the EWU, alongside the EWU academic personnel including Pro-Vice Chancellor, Treasurer, Deans, Faculty members, officials, staff, and students attended the event.
JU fires Johnny following prolonged probe into allegations of sexual harassment
In a significant development, the Jahangirnagar University administration has terminated the employment of assistant professor Mahmudur Rahman Johnny of the Department of Public Health and Informatics.
Following the conclusion of a prolonged investigation into the allegations, all of which had a sexual harassment component, while some were exacerbated by academic misconduct, the decision was announced on Tuesday night during a syndicate meeting of the university, according to University Registrar Abu Hasan.
Committee formed to further probe sexual harassment allegations against JU teacher
Mahmudur Rahman Johnny, a former Chhatra League leader who even led the JU campus unit of the ruling party student front sought a career in academia, was facing multiple accusations of sexual harassment, which were substantiated by the findings of a structured committee report.
Prior to the conclusion of the trial, there were visible signs of unrest among the students and teachers due to the absence of Vice-Chancellor Nurul Alam Siddique. A committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Johnny had admitted to all allegations of sexual harassment in a written statement. The committee members were convinced of his guilt, leading to his dismissal from the university.
Rape in JU campus: accused students' certificates revoked
The decision to take disciplinary action against Johnny in the syndicate meeting has brought relief to the students and faculty who were disturbed by the prolonged trial. Activists involved in the movement against sexual harassment believe that the recent incidents have increased pressure on the university administration to address such issues seriously.
Alif Mahmud, convenor of the JU Chhatra Union, commented on the situation, stating, "Despite being accused of ethical misconduct, Johnny has openly admitted to his involvement, and the current Vice-Chancellor, Nurul Alam, continues to hold the chair with his support. If he is judged, he will reveal four to five more faces, including the Vice-Chancellor. We believe this is why the Vice-Chancellor is afraid to conduct the trial."
Anisa Parveen Jolly, a professor in the History Department, expressed optimism that such incidents of sexual harassment would decrease in the future, creating a safer environment for both students and faculty.
Prof. Jolly stated, "Johnny has violated the sanctity of the classroom, despite being a part of the Environmental Science department. He has roamed the campus with influential teachers from the administration. They have turned the campus into a place where perpetrators, miscreants, and murderers are safe."
Husband held captive, wife raped on JU campus
Johnny, a member of the 36th batch of the Department of Environmental Science, served as the president of the JU branch of the Bangladesh Chhatra League in 2012.
In 2018, he was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Public Health and Informatics, eventually rising to the position of Assistant Professor. Since his appointment, he faced multiple allegations of "unethical" relationships with several female students.
On November 21, 2022, an intimate photo (selfie) of Johnny and a lecturer appointed in the same department, was put up on posters across the sprawling JU campus.At the same time, the audio of an intimate conversation with a student of Batch #43, who had applied for a teaching post at the department, came to light, where Johnny forced the victim to have an abortion. Besides, pictures and information of “immoral” relations between Johnny and several BCL leaders and “indecent” chats came to light.
In view of this, a section of teachers and students protested demanding proper action against Johnny. Later, on December 8, 2022, a preliminary investigation committee was formed to probe Johnny for allegedly having immoral relations with multiple students. The committee ordered the investigation report by January 31 this year. At that time, Johnny was forced to leave the post of assistant proctor of the university. Still the authorities seemed too indifferent to this plight suffered by - proportionately - a small section of the female student body.
End/UNB/Corr/MB/ssk
ISD Students mark International Mother Language Day with multilingual Ekushey song
International School Dhaka (ISD) has marked International Mother Language Day by celebrating the importance of multiculturalism in Bangladesh.
Paying tribute to language diversity around the world, ISD held a special assembly where a group of Bangladeshi students sang ‘Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February’. Six international students then sang the song in their respective mother tongues of English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Hindi, and Afrikaans.
Other students recited poems and performed songs and dances to celebrate the diverse culture of ISD’s vibrant community and joined teachers and officials to place floral wreaths at the school’s Shaheed Minar.
Steve Calland-Scoble, ISD’s director, said, “The United Nations estimates that 40% of the global population currently lacks access to education in their native language. This figure exceeds 90% in certain regions.”
Ishrat Jahan Shukhi, Head of Bengali Department, said, “Our International Mother Language Assembly was a joyous opportunity to celebrate the multitude of languages and cultural expressions within our school community.”
“This perfectly demonstrates our commitment to honoring linguistic diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and respected," she added.
'Red Alert': Canadian University of Bangladesh debuts book on Non-Communicable Diseases
The joint research effort between Canadian University of Bangladesh and University of Manitoba has resulted in the creation of a groundbreaking book titled "Red Alert", that was released on Monday at a city hotel.
The book is focused on non-communicable diseases. It is the first book of its kind written for health-conscious individuals in Bangladesh.
State Minister for Information and Broadcast Professor Mohammad Ali Arafat was present as the chief guest in the unveiling ceremony while Dr. Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat, founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Canadian University of Bangladesh presided over.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting highlighted the dual advantages outlined in the Red Alert book during his address.
He emphasized its potential for delivering both health benefits and accurate insights into products, such as olive oil alternatives.
Expressing confidence, he envisioned the Red Alert book as a representation of Brand Bangladesh in the future. Furthermore, he extended gratitude to all involved in its publication and assured continued government support for future research endeavors of this nature.
The event highlighted CUB's commitment to pioneering research in the private university sector of Bangladesh. Dr. Chowdhury Nafeez Sarafat emphasized CUB's unique milestone with the publication of "Red Alert."
He also mentioned that Canadian University of Bangladesh is expanding its global presence by launching educational programs at its Ontario Campus in Canada later this year, furthering its mission of fostering international education and research collaboration.
Dr. Rita Colwell, a renowned professor at the University of Maryland, USA, Debra Boyce, Senior Trade Commissioner of the Canadian High Commission, and Dr. Mesbahuddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council, shared insights during the event.
The editing of "Red Alert" was a collaborative effort led by Professor Dr. Gias U Ahsan, the Vice-Chancellor (Acting) of CUB, along with Dr. C. Emdad Haque of the University of Manitoba, Canada, and Professor M. Anisul Islam of North South University.
Dr. Gias U Ahsan expressed confidence that "Red Alert" would be well-received by health-conscious individuals and become an essential resource.
The publication ceremony was jointly organized by the Canadian University of Bangladesh, University of Manitoba, and CNRS.
The book "Red Alert" will be available at Stall Number 895 of Ekushey Boimela from Tuesday (20th Feb. 2024).It's the Canadian University of Bangladesh stall at the book fair.
UCSI University Bangladesh hosts 'Boshonto Boron' festival
The Cultural Club of UCSI University Bangladesh branch campus hosted a “Boshonto Boron” festival on its campus in Dhaka’s Banani.
The event showcased the cultural diversity and talent of the university’s students, according to a press release on Monday.
The university's Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato Ir Mohd Saleh Jaafar, was present as the chief guest where board Senior Vice President Ariful Bari Mojumder, Vice President Aniza Parveen, Director Sherin Sultana, and Director Ahmed Suman Subhan, among others, were also present, it said.
The Pro VC expressed his admiration for the students’ dedication to promoting cultural exchange and fostering a sense of unity within the campus community.
The “Boshonto Boron” event featured captivating performances by students, including soulful songs and mesmerizing dance sequences. The students’ talents were on full display, leaving the audience enthralled and impressed, the release said.
The success of the event underscored the commitment of UCSI University Bangladesh Branch Campus to providing a holistic education that goes beyond academic excellence, embracing cultural and artistic endeavours that contribute to the overall development of its students, it added.
Scholastica student wins global coding competition
Adib Ahnaf Chowdhury, a 14-year-old student from Scholastica School in Mirpur, Bangladesh, has achieved a remarkable feat by securing the top position in the World Game Coding Competition 2024 organized by the International Kids Coding Competition (IKCC) recently.
His project, titled ‘Planes!’ was created using Scratch 3.0 Language. Among 917 competitors from 787 schools across 52 countries, Adib clinched the top position in the age group of 13 to 14, said a media release.
The IKCC, initiated by the Romanian organisation 'Asociatia SASORYCODE', stands as one of the largest Scratch coding competitions globally. Children from diverse backgrounds participate by submitting their projects created in Scratch, according to it.
Throughout the year, IKCC hosts competitions on various themes, aiming to enhance children's programming skills through game development, storytelling, or animation creation, it reads.
This platform serves as a catalyst for nurturing creativity and unleashing the imagination of young minds worldwide.