Students have issued an ultimatum for the republication of medical admission test results for the 2024-25 academic year by today, calling for the abolition of all irrational quotas, including the freedom fighter quota. The demand was made during a sit-in and protest rally today held at the Central Shaheed Minar at 11:30 am. Students from Dhaka University also expressed solidarity with the protest. MBBS admission test results published During the event, protesters raised various slogans. “Yesterday, many candidates with 40 or 41 marks gained admission, while others who scored double that could not. Isn’t this discrimination?,” said Kumudini Women's Medical College Psychiatry Prof Dr Major (retd) Abdul Wahab, while expressing solidarity with the students. “Since you have learned to protest, you must continue to fight for your rights on the streets,” he said urging the students. Doha, a student of Dhaka Medical College, said, “After a successful movement demanding the abolition of discrimination, this kind of biased treatment in the medical admission exam should not happen. When the passing mark is 40, how can someone with 37 or 38 marks gain admission? We demand an end to this discrimination today.” MBBS admission test to be held Friday Abir Hossain, a student of Sir Salimullah Medical College, said, “In previous years, students scoring slightly below the cutoff could gain admission through quotas. But this year, candidates with marks 30 to 35 below the cutoff have been admitted through the quota system, which is unacceptable. We demand the abolition of all quotas, including the freedom fighter quota, and the republication of the results today.” Mahin Sarkar, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also expressed solidarity with the medical students, saying, “Even after the movement in Bangladesh, we see irrational quotas being implemented in medical colleges. “Some students scoring 72 marks didn’t gain admission, while others with 40 marks did. We demand the immediate republication of the medical admission results and the abolition of all irrational quotas in all universities and medical admission exams,” he said.

Clashes broke out between police and a group of students from Prime Asia University at the main gate of Bangladesh's Secretariat on Tuesday. Witnesses reported that the students were involved in a standoff with police, though the reason behind their protest remains unclear.F ans clash, vandalise BPL ticket booths failing to secure tickets Earlier, a four-member delegation from the university had entered the Secretariat building to meet the Education Adviser. They were scheduled to meet the adviser at 4:30 pm. "Outside, however, a larger group of students, who had been waiting, became involved in a verbal altercation with the police," said an official. Clash on Ijtema ground: Saad’s follower placed on 2-day remand The situation quickly escalated into a clash when the police used batons. They also fired two rounds of blank shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

Over 100 students of the Satyapur Government Primary School in Dagonbhuiyan upazila of Feni district, are risking their lives attending classes in a dangerously dilapidated building. The school building, constructed in 1987, is in a state of disrepair, with broken doors, shattered windowpanes, unsafe sidewalls and a tin roof that has been partially uprooted. During the rainy season, classes are often disrupted as water leaks through the roof, forcing students to stay home. Additionally, the school lacks a playground, hygienic washrooms and sufficient classrooms, creating a challenging environment for both students and teachers. Originally the school had four classrooms, but over the years, the old building became unsafe and was abandoned. In 2011, a new concrete structure with two classrooms was constructed 100 yards from the original site. However, the limited space has proven inadequate to accommodate the growing number of students, forcing them to use the hazardous tin-roofed building. Currently, the school has 103 students enrolled from nursery to fifth grade. Read: 6,704 govt primary school buildings are dilapidated: State Minister However, many guardians are reluctant to send their children to the school due to safety concerns and the lack of a proper learning environment. Students including Rudra Chandra Das, Jannatul Mawa and Sadika Akter shared their struggles. "When it rains, water drips onto us, soaking our clothes, books, and notebooks," they said. "The broken doors and windows make it impossible to concentrate in class. We feel unsafe, and it seems the building could collapse at any moment."  

A group of Dhaka University students have held a march to demand the immediate holding of DUCSU elections. The event took place around midnight on Thursday. The students marched from Hall Para to the VC square. Students from various dormitories participated in the march. They blasted Chhatra Dal for allegedly opposing the DUCSU election now. During the march the students chanted slogans such as "One, two, three, four, DUCSU is my right," "Who can stop us, DUCSU is needed," "Those who oppose DUCSU are the enemies of students." The students issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the administration to announce the roadmap for DUCSU elections. Coordinator Mahin Sarkar said, "The administration must announce the DUCSU roadmap within the next 72 hours. If not, we will announce tougher actions." Read: Excitement brews at Dhaka University as Ducsu elections loom He added, "We have witnessed how the politics of the guestroom-ghonoroom has led to the deaths of students like Abrar Fahad. The opposition to DUCSU elections must be stopped. The Chhatra Dal should not forget that many notorious chapters have been buried in this university. Today, they have humiliated the Vice-Chancellor. Humiliating the Vice-Chancellor means humiliating the entire university." The students also stated that if Chhatra Dal opposes the administration, they will oppose Chhatra Dal as well. They emphasized that DUCSU is an essential platform for students' rights, culture, and intellectual discussions. "Any student organisation that opposes DUCSU will face our opposition. We do not want guestroom or ghonoroom politics. We demand the immediate restoration of DUCSU" said protesters. Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Tahmid Al Mudassir, stated, "In 2019, when DUCSU election took place, students temporarily gained democratic rights." Read more: Amend DUCSU constitution, immediately hold election: Biplobi Chhatra Moitri Another leader A.B. Zubayer said, "Students do not want to see new fascism in the university. The DUCSU elections must be held immediately to ensure a healthy and safe political activities. Students will cooperate with the university administration." Chhatra Dal's comments on the issue were not immediately available.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Tuesday issued an ultimatum to the government to announce the ‘July Proclamation’ by January 15, issuing a note of warning against delays. The ultimatum was declared during the "March for Unity" programme held at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital. Jatiya Nagorik Committee spokesperson Samantha Sharmin said, "No steps have been taken regarding the July proclamation, even five months after the resurgence. The government must act by January 15." Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, criticised the delay, stating, "This declaration is a historical responsibility. We won’t tolerate further postponements. The road has become the people's solution, and we urge the government to negotiate. If not, the people will act." Fatema reiterated demands for justice and accountability, emphasising, "No elections before the Awami League faces trial. Justice for martyrs and the injured must be guaranteed." She affirmed that the movement would not falter, declaring, "July is not dead." Jatiya Nagorik Committee Member Secretary Akhter Hossain stressed the importance of a Constituent Assembly election. "This declaration will inspire the drafting of a new constitution and must not be delayed," he said. Convener Nasir Uddin Patwary highlighted the need for institutional reforms. "This proclamation is a milestone. It must address the collapse of government institutions over 53 years and establish a robust, independent foreign policy," he added. Thousands gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar earlier in the day, with participants arriving from districts like Rangpur, Patuakhali, Chattogram, Natore, Panchagarh, and Sirajganj. Marchers chanted slogans such as "Delhi or Dhaka," "Struggle, Struggle," "Injustice will drown in the flood of blood," and "We Demand the Trial of Killer Hasina." Students, Nagorik Committee demand July Proclamation by Jan 15 The event, organised by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, sought to rally support for the interim government’s initiative to draft the declaration recognising the July uprising through national consensus. Speakers at the event declared, "Our struggle continues. The martyrs' bloodstains have not dried, yet autocracy is being rehabilitated. We will resist intellectuals and groups opposing our fight against fascism." Clash in Bagerhat UNB’s Bagerhat correspondent reported that at least 20 people were injured when miscreants attacked a motorcade of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Mollahat upazila en route to Dhaka. The convoy, consisting of 25 buses from Khulna, was attacked around 11:30 am at Mollahat's Madrashaghat. Witnesses said an argument between students and bus staff escalated into violence when attackers vandalised a bus and hurled brick chips. Students fill Central Shaheed Minar with 'March for Unity' slogans Zahurul Tanvir, a coordinator of the movement in Khulna, alleged that collaborators of the ruling Awami League were behind the attack, which turned the area into a "battlefield." Vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Khulna Highway was disrupted for two hours before police and Army personnel restored order. Mollahat Police Station OC Shafiqul Islam confirmed that bus staff and locals were involved in the attack. Confusion Confusion arose earlier in the day when the interim government announced it would read out the July Proclamation, leaving participants unsure if the event would proceed as planned. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement had initially announced the proclamation would be made at the Shaheed Minar on Tuesday. A press conference at their Banglamotor office at 1:45 am on December 30 confirmed the 'March for Unity' at 3:00 pm.  

Traffic movement on the Dhaka’s busy Mirpur road resumed after students of Mohammadpur Residential School and College removed the blockade road upon assurance from the authorities concerned of meeting their demands soon.     Ali Iftekhar Hasan, officer-in-charge of Mohammadpur model police station, said the traffic movement resumed around 11am.   Earlier, students blocked the road demanding the admission of students to the institution on the basis of merit, police said. Breaking open the entrance gate, the students took to the street, causing gridlock on both sides of the road around 10:30 am. Earlier, the students campaigned online in support of their demands and carried out the blockade as scheduled.

Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet on Thursday declared Tapashee Tabassum Urmi, a suspended assistant commissioner of Lalmonirhat administration and also former student of the SUST, unwanted and banned for life on the campus. They also demanded that the certificates of Urmi be cancelled, said a media release issued on Thursday. She came to the limelight for her controversial remarks regarding the interim government and Abu Sayed who was killed during the July movement. Read: Court summons suspended Assistant Commissioner Tapashee According to the release, Urmi denied the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement through her various misleading posts on Facebook, including describing martyr Abu Sayed as a terrorist. She also said the July-August genocide is a subject to investigation. Her critics say she should be brought under the law and tried immediately. Denial of the July Revolution and derogatory remarks about the martyrs and sedition should be punished severely. Earlier, on October 9, a defamation and treason case was filed against Urmi in Lalmonirhat by Tahiatul Habib Mridul, a representative of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. On October 7, she was suspended following her controversial remark regarding the interim government on Facebook. The previous day, she was made Officer on-Special Duty (OSD) and was attached to the Ministry of Public Administration. Read more: Plea submitted to file defamation case against suspended AC Tapashee In a Facebook post, Tapashee wrote, “The chief adviser of the interim government which has no constitutional base said a push has been made on the reset button, history got erased. He has removed all histories of the county by clicking the reset button. Is it too easy! your (Yunus) countdown has started, Sir.”

Studying abroad is a dream for many, offering quality education, cultural exploration, and a global perspective. However, this exciting journey comes with challenges and safety concerns that students must navigate. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure a safe and enriching experience abroad. Before You Leave Home: Key Preparations Research Your Destination Thorough research about the destination country is crucial. Each country has unique rules, regulations, customs, and social norms. What may seem like a new experience to you could be viewed as cultural appropriation by locals. Utilize resources like Google, YouTube, and social media for insights on where to live, what to eat, what to avoid, and potential scams. This preparation will give you a solid head start. Read more: Distance Learning: Top Universities Offering Online Courses for International Students Health Checkup and Vaccinations If you have any medical conditions, a pre-departure health checkup is advisable. Keep a copy of your medical report and your medications for personal and emergency reference. Additionally, many countries have specific vaccination requirements. For instance, Japan requires the measles and rubella vaccine for all visitors. Check if your destination has similar prerequisites and consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for emergencies.

Albert Einstein has said, “Failure is success in progress”. Failure is an inevitable aspect of life; accepting and overcoming failure is a vital skill for success. Nurturing resilience in students is just as important as imparting academic knowledge. Parents and schools need to prepare students to navigate setbacks effectively. This guide explores effective strategies for instilling resilience in students and helping them embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.  Should Parents and Schools Teach Students How to Accept Failure? Teaching students how to accept failure in exams is crucial for their emotional resilience, academic success, and overall development. By embracing failure, students learn resilience, bouncing back from setbacks stronger and more determined.  Failure is a natural part of learning, providing valuable lessons and experiences that contribute to personal growth. Accepting failure reduces fear, empowering students to take risks and pursue their goals without inhibition. It also prepares them for real-life challenges, where setbacks are inevitable.  Read more: Why are Suicide Rates Higher Among Men? Embracing failure promotes a growth mindset, where students view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement rather than insurmountable obstacles. Parents and schools play vital roles in teaching students to accept failure and providing support, guidance, and structured environments for learning and growth.  Together, parents and teachers can equip students with the coping skills necessary to navigate setbacks and challenges throughout their lives. Ultimately, teaching students how to accept failure instills invaluable life skills essential for success in academic and personal endeavours.  How to Teach Students to Accept and Overcome Failure Avoid Criticism  Students should be taught that failure in exams is not the end of life. Criticism can destroy the self-confidence of students and make them vulnerable to self-harm.  Instead of criticising their poor grades, parents and teachers can focus on ways of improvement. By holding a positive attitude towards challenges, academic failures can be turned into success.  Read more: Parenting a Teenager? 10 Tips to be Their Best Friend Move Forward  Students should be encouraged to accept their poor academic performances and move forward. Thus, they can foster long-term perseverance and adaptability against unwanted incidents like failure. Introducing setbacks to students as stepping stones for future success is important. Parents and educators can turn failure into a springboard for students to become more resilient and resourceful learners. 

Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani students have reportedly come under attack by violent mobs in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek. Pakistan's mission in Bishkek said a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan reside, have been attacked amid the violence, which broke out on Friday night. The Kyrgyz government said four foreign citizens have been arrested following mob violence in Bishkek on the night of May 17-18 that injured at least 28 people, including several foreigners, and appeared to be directed against foreign students and migrants. The violence prompted diplomatic reactions from Pakistan and India, who have warned their students in Bishkek to remain indoors. The violence broke out after a video purportedly showing Kyrgyz students fighting medical students from Egypt on May 13 was widely shared online, according to Radio Free Europe. Mobs gathered in several spots in Bishkek on Friday night after users on social media claimed those who were beaten were Kyrgyz youths. On Saturday, a number of Bangladeshi students reached out to UNB seeking help for their safety. “We are here, five Bangladeshi girls. We are inside our apartment right now. Some people are gathering in front of our apartment. Please help us," Samia Kabir, one of the Bangladeshi students at International School of Medicine, Kyrgyzstan, told UNB on Saturday evening. "We have been asked by the authorities to stay inside. We hear some noises from other apartments nearby…some Pakistanis are likely to be there," Samia added. "Our mission in Uzbekistan is looking into the matter. So far, we have not received any reports of injuries of any Bangladeshis. We are in touch with our Mission. We will share a complete report soon," a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka told UNB. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic in a statement said that at present the situation in Bishkek is "absolutely calm and fully under control". "All necessary measures have been taken to ensure security and maintain peace and stability," it said. It also asked representatives of the media, the blogging community and foreign colleagues to be guided only by official and verified information from the competent authorities of the Kyrgyz Republic. One of the students, named Mustafa, who is living a bit far from the main city, told UNB that the number of Bangladeshi students is now over 1000 in Kyrgyzstan. He said they are relatively safer where he is than those who are living in Bishkek. In some cases, students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan live in the same hostels, putting them at risk together. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the situation was "calm" in Bishkek and advised students to stay in regular touch with the Indian Embassy. "The situation is presently calm, but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment," the Indian Consulate tweeted. Videos of the clashes have flooded social media since Friday night. Kyrgyzstan has long been a favoured destination for students from South Asian nations for top-notch medical training. As per the Migration Data Portal, Kyrgyzstan hosted the highest number of international students (61,418) in 2021 among the five Central Asian countries. There are multiple reasons why students flock to Kyrgyzstan, which has the best healthcare, education, and transportation facilities among Central Asian nations. Cheap cost of living, wide availability of Subcontinental cuisine, a good student-teacher ratio, and no entrance fees are some of the facilities that attract MBBS students.