Education
School closure during Ramadan: Hearing in Appellate Division set for Tuesday
The chamber judge of the Appellate Division has upheld a High Court order that ordered the closure of primary and secondary schools during the month of Ramadan.
At the same time, the court fixed tomorrow (Tuesday) for the hearing.
Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice M Enayetur Rahim passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the state seeking a stay on the HC order. Attorney General AM Amin Uddin stood for the state.
Earlier on Sunday, the High Court stayed a decision to keep primary and secondary schools open during Ramadan. The HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by a student's guardian.
Earlier on February 8, the Ministry of Education decided to keep the secondary level schools open for 15 days during Ramadan by partially amending the holiday list and education calendar. It was notified in a notification signed by Mohammad Abul Khair, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education.
In another notification, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said that classes will continue for 10 days in primary schools during Ramadan.
According to the Ministry of Education notification, it was decided to continue class activities of public/private secondary and lower secondary schools for a total of 15 days from March 11 to 25.
On February 25, Adv Elias Ali Mondal, a guardian of a student filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the decision to keep primary and secondary schools open during Ramadan.
The secretaries to the ministries of primary and mass education, deputy secretaries to the ministries of primary and mass education, deputy secretaries to education, director general of the Directorate of Primary Education, and director of the Child Welfare Trust have been made respondents to it. The hearing on the writ was held on Sunday.
Students should focus on professional skills: Education Minister
Education Minister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury said that many skill-based jobs have been created in our country. But we do not have candidates who can fulfil our demand based on that skill.
"So, students should focus on professional and vocational education along with institutional education," he said.
The minister was speaking at the 11th convocation of Daffodil International University held on its campus at Barulia in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital on Sunday afternoon.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that there are many opportunities in front of our young generation. They have to be efficient. They have to make themselves employable as well.
Besides, it should be ensured that there is no deficiency in soft skills, he added.
He said that if our graduates are not employable, foreigners will take foreign currency from our country. It should be seen why they are doing well in their respective fields.
"You (graduates) should improve their language and presentation skills."
Addressing the students, Chowdhury said there should be a mindset of learning skills at any age. You must have the mindset of being a lifelong learner.
Dr Franco Gandolfi, professor at Georgetown University, USA was the convocation speaker while Dr Md Sabur Khan, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, gave a welcome speech on the occasion.
Among others, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman (Additional Charge) Professor Dr. Muhammad Alamgir, Daffodil International University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Lutfar Rahman also spoke.
A total of 6,284 students from different disciplines were conferred undergraduate and graduate degrees, while 12 meritorious students received gold medals for their excellent results.
Primary, secondary schools to remain closed during Ramadan: HC
The High Court on Sunday (March 10, 2024) stayed for two months the government’s decision to keep the primary and secondary schools open in the first 10 and 15 days of Ramadan respectively.
The HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat passed the order following a petition seeking closure of school activities during Ramadan.
Advocate Mahmuda Khanam stood for the writ petitioner while deputy attorney general Sheikh Md Saifuzzaman represented the state.
Milk, eggs, meat, and fish to be sold affordable prices at 30 points in capital
Following the order, the academic activities of primary and secondary schools will remain closed during the month of Ramadan.
On February 8, the government amended the holiday list for educational institutions keeping the regular activities of secondary schools open for 15 days during the month of Ramadan. The Education Ministry issued a notice in this regard.
In another notice, the Primary and Mass Education Ministry issued a notice to keep the activities of primary schools during the month of Ramadan for ten days.
Advocate Md Ilias Ali Mandal, a guardian, filed a writ petition on February 25, challenging the two orders of the government.
SCBA election: Khokon, Monjurul elected president, secretary
Secretaries to the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Education Ministry, deputy secretary of Primary and Mass Education Ministry and deputy secretary of Education Ministry, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Department, Director of Child Welfare Trust were made respondents.
Ramadan is likely begin from March 11 or March 12 depending on the sighting of the moon.
Cultural exchange program among students of 3 countries held
A cultural exchange program involving the students of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Malaysia was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh on Friday.
Around 150 students from these countries participated in the program.
Leo Club of BAU organised the the event at the Chashi Bhavan Auditorium of the university sponsored by Lions Club of Dhaka Mymensingh Heritage.
The students showcased their respective countries' traditional attire, food, crafts, heritage and culture through performances of national flags hoisting and national anthem.
Ln. Dr KHM Nazmul Hussain Nazir, advisor of Leo Club of BAU, stated that the program was organised with the aim of promoting Bangladesh's rich culture internationally. Through such events, students can learn about and appreciate each other's cultures.
He further mentioned that every country in the world desires to spread its culture beyond its borders. At BAU, foreign students actively participate in educational activities every year. 30 foreign students are actively involved with our Leo Club, which helps promote the country internationally.
Regarding the Lions Club's activities, Ln Engr. Serajul Islam Anamul, president of Lions Club of Dhaka Mymensingh Heritage District 315A2, said the Lions Club is a globally recognized service-oriented organization by the United Nations. Alongside its efforts in hunger, vision, child cancer, diabetes, and environmental issues worldwide, Lions Clubs and Leo Clubs collaborate to create opportunities for self-employment for the poor, provide free medical treatment and vaccination for cattle, conduct free cataract surgeries for the elderly, treat children with special needs, and provide food and assistance.
Additionally, there are ongoing service programs for pregnant women and adolescents.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh Agricultural University's Leo Club is the only club in the country where foreign students participate. Through them, the Leo Club and Lions Club's humanitarian programs will easily reach the international arena.
Among others, Prof Dr. Abdul Awal the Acting Vice-Chancellor of BAU, Prof Dr. Md.Tanvir Rahman the Director of the International Desk of BAU, Prof Dr. Md. Harun-ur-Rashid the Students' Advisor, Prof Dr. Bapon Dey and Associate Prof Dr. Md. Golzar Hossain, were present.
JnU female student accused of assaulting, revoked from dormitory
The disciplinary committee of Jagannath University (JnU) permanently cancelled the hall seat of Tasmeem Sanjana Srishti, a student of the 12th batch of the music department, as her involvement was found in assaulting another girl student.
She has been asked to leave the hall, said Professor Dr Deepika Rani Sarkar, provost of the hall.
She said, "The issue has been presented to the disciplinary committee. After finding out the truth of the incident, it was decided to cancel the hall seat of the accused student. An official letter will be sent to her next Sunday.”
The house tutor in charge of the hall on the eleventh floor, Nipa Deb Nath, said, “After receiving the written complaint on Thursday, the matter was discussed in the disciplinary committee. After discussion, it was decided to cancel the seat. The matter was verbally told to her.”
Earlier, Ety Khatun, a 15th-batch student of the Sociology Department, was beaten by a 12th-batch student of the Music Department, Tasmim Sanjana Shrishti, in the kitchen of the dormitory. Later, she filed a written complaint with the house tutor and provost of the hall.
“Tasmeem Sanjana filed a counter-complaint.”
Ety said, “I was cooking. Srishti Apu wanted to fry eggs, so I stopped my cooking. As I had class I asked her to finish the cooking quickly then she hurled abuse. When I protested, I was slapped and punched. I don't remember what happened next and lost consciousness.”
After the incident, when a journalist wanted to know about the incident, he was threatened by accused Srishti's friend Fahim Ishtiaq, a student of Marketing department of the university.
Accused Shristi said, “The junior student was also abusive. She came in front of me. That's why I beat her up. She also hurt me.”
Female student assaulted at JnU dormitory, journalist threatened
A female student was physically assaulted by another student at Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall of Jagannath University on Wednesday night.
Ety Khatun, a 15th-batch student of the Sociology Department, was beaten by a 12th-batch student of the Music Department, Tasmim Sanjana Shrishti, in the kitchen of the dormitory. She also filed a written complaint with the house tutor and provost of the hall.
Ety said, “I was cooking. Srishti Apu wanted to fry eggs, so I stopped my cooking. As I had class I asked her to finish the cooking quickly then she hurled abuse. When I protested, I was slapped and punched. I don't remember what happened next and lost consciousness.”
JnU, KU signs MoU to enhance education and research sectors
After the incident, when a journalist wanted to know about the incident, he was threatened by accused Srishti's friend Fahim Ishtiaq, a student of Marketing department of the university.
Shristi said, “The junior student also abusive. She came in front of me. That's why I beat her up. She also hurt me, I will lodge a complaint too.”
Provost Deepika Rani said, “I have received a complaint from the victim in this regard. It will be taken up in the hall disciplinary committee meeting.”
Fahim Ishtiaq said, “ a journalist called my girlfriend over the incident. Then she sought my help. So I called the journalist and talked. I got excited and misbehaved with him.”
Fahim introduced himself as a Chhatra League (BCL) man.However, President of Jagannath University Chhatra League Ibrahim Faraji said, “ This boy doesn’t have any involvement in politics of Chhatra League. I don't know him.”
Prof Atiqul Islam reappointed as NSU VC
University proctor professor Dr. Jahangir Hossain said action will be taken if a written complaint is lodged in this regard.
JnU, KU signs MoU to enhance education and research sectors
Jagannath University (JnU) and Khulna University (KU) will work together in the education and research sectors.
For this, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two universities on Wednesday at Khulna University Vice-Chancellor's office.
Jagannath University Registrar Engineer Md. Ohiduzzaman and Khulna University Treasurer Professor Amit Roy Chowdhury signed the MoU on behalf of the universities.
After the signing of the MoU, it was handed over to both parties in the presence of Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Sadeka Halim and Khulna University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mahmud Hossain.
Prof. Dr Sadeka Halim said, “All our teachers and students who need high-quality labs and modern technology for their research activities can now use Khulna University’s lab and their technology. This agreement will play an important role in education and research for both universities.”
Shooting student in classroom: Class boycott programme at Sirajganj medical college withdrawn
Students of Shaheed M Mansur Ali Medical College in Sirajganj on Wednesday withdrew their class boycott and sit-in programme following the suspension of Community Medicine department teacher Dr Raihan Sharif for shooting a student in a classroom.However, the students will continue their other protest programmes including protest meetings, rallies until accused teacher Dr Raihan Sharif gets exemplary punishment.
Shooting student in classroom: Sirajganj medical college lecturer suspendedOn Wednesday morning, the students started a human chain and sit-in programme on the college campus boycotting classes.
However, they withdrew from the programme following the intervention of the police and college administration.
Shooting student in classroom: Sirajganj medical college lecturer sent to jailThe students told reporters that following the assurance of the college administration and the temporary suspension of the accused teacher, Raihan Sharif, the class boycott programme was withdrawn. They will resume classes as usual on Thursday.College principal Dr Amirul Hossain Chowdhury said as the health department has already suspended the teacher, the students have also withdrawn their class boycott programme.
Teacher sued over shooting medical student in Sirajganj
Prof Atiqul Islam reappointed as NSU VC
Prof Atiqul Islam has been reappointed as the vice chancellor of North South Universit President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
The official notification was issued on Sunday, by the Department of Secondary and Higher Education, Ministry of Education, according to a press releaee on Tuesday.
Atiqul will continue to serve as NSU VC till February, 22, 2028. He previously assumed the role of vice chancellor in 2016 and was re-appointed in February 2020.
Medical student shot by teacher in classroom in Sirajganj
Prof Atiqul extended his thanks to the president, prime minister, education minister, Bangladesh University Grants Commission, and the Board of Trustees of North South University.
While thanking the president, Atiqul said, "I am deeply humbled by the trust bestowed upon me by the His Excellency President.”
He further acknowledged the enduring support and guidance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He said, "I am sincerely grateful to the honourable Prime Minister. Her unwavering support for North South University always inspired us to work to achieve excellence for this institution. Our faculty members, students, and NSU family are grateful to the honourable Prime Minister for her compassionate guidance.”
“Personally, I am thankful to our PM for trusting me with the leadership of NSU,” he added.
NSU achieved consistent academic excellence under Atiqul’s leadership. As a result, in the latest World University Ranking 2023 by Times Higher Education, NSU ranks between 601-800, the highest among all universities in Bangladesh. Additionally, NSU leads among private universities in Bangladesh in the QS World University Ranking, the release said.
Prior to his tenure at North South University, Atiqul served in various leadership positions, including Executive Dean and Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) of the Faculty of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University in Australia.
Two separate bodies formed over allegations against Prof Naadir
With roots as a lecturer at Dhaka University, Atiqul includes notable roles at institutions such as the University of Sydney, Curtin University, Canterbury University, and the National University of Singapore.
Throughout his career, he held significant administrative roles, including Head of the School of Commerce at the University of South Australia and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Government at the University of Canberra.
His contributions extend beyond administrative roles; he has authored and co-authored numerous scholarly articles, served as an editor for a prestigious business journal, reviewed research funding proposals and journals, supervised postgraduate theses, and presented at international research conferences. His dedication to academia and wealth of expertise makes him a respected figure in the academic community, the also said.
School principal's research suggests Bangladesh needs better teachers
As there are complaints about delivery of engaging lessons in Bangladeshi schools, research shows, very few teachers in the country are skilled in teaching in accordance with each student’s learning pace and style.
However, in the research paper on ‘Teacher Effectiveness’ presented at a recent global conference in South Africa, Principal of DPS STS School Dhaka Dr Shivananda CS noted that schools can offer actionable feedback promoting teachers' fast-paced development with objective lesson observation criteria.
“More highly skilled and trained teachers are needed in Bangladesh. Many schools often complain about needing a pool of trained and skilled teachers to deliver engaging lessons,” he stated. “I hope the research findings will help my fellow peers discover more about teacher effectiveness and help augment teaching quality.”
Dr Shivananda is the sole educator from the country to present a paper in the “Schools Now!” conference, organised by the British Council, in Cape Town, to promote innovations in teaching and learning and share experience among its partner schools.
Highlighting the need for what is called ‘learning differentiation’ to achieve high learning outcomes, the research has observed that ‘very few teachers’ are accustomed to the customised teaching-learning methods that allow each student to learn and grow uniquely.
It has further provided evidence of rapid skills development when schools set measurable goals for each teacher, if they receive customised training support.
In this context, Dr Shivananda pointed out that among their peers, there are teachers whose lesson delivery level exceeds a score of 4.5 out of 5.0 and who can also train their fellow teachers.
The research project, involving teachers of K-12 (kindergarten to 12th grade) schools, commenced in November 2020 and is reviewed annually considering the data gathered after more than 2,500 lesson observations.