Education
International conference for achieving SDGs starts at BAU
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)’s Department of Fisheries iss organizing a two-day international conference titled ‘Smart Aquaculture and Fishing in Achieving SDGs’ to emphasize the importance of fisheries in achieving sustainable development goals.
The inauguration of the third biennial international conference of the Fisheries Society of Bangladesh (FSB) took place at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 17th, in the Syed Nazrul Islam Conference Hall of the university.
Commercially, finfish, shellfish, and marine algae mariculture play vital roles in the blue economy. Recently, Bangladesh has witnessed remarkable success in fish production autonomously said Rear Admiral (Retd.) Md. Khurshed Alam, BN Honorable Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, attended the event as the chief guest.
He mentioned that Bangladesh now ranks third globally in fish production and fifth in global aquaculture methods. If the vast fisheries resources are managed scientifically, it will enrich the country's blue economy.
In the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Md. Samchul Alam, president of FSB, chaired the conference. The chief patron was Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Emdadul Haque Chowdhury. Special guests were Professor Dr. Md Anwarul Islam, former Vice-Chancellor, prof. Dr. A. K. M. Nowsad Alam, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, Mr. Sayeed Mahmood Belal Haider, chairman, Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation, Mr. Md Nazrul Islam, Director, Department of Fisheries, Dr. Mohosena Begum Tonu, Director, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Dr. Nathu Ram Sarker, Executive Director, Krishi Gobeshona Foundation(KGF). About 300 domestic and foreign scientists participated in the conference.
Prof. Dr. Emdadul Haque Chowdhury said, falling behind in utilizing technology in agriculture will hinder the country's development. Smart farmers need to be trained alongside smart graduates to enable the natural development of agriculture.
He further noted that despite Bangladesh being self-sufficient in food, there remains a deficit in animal protein demand. Environmental pollution can be reduced through increased protein production from fish. Graduates in fisheries can play a significant role in this sector.
Education Minister urges CU authorities to take action over clashes on campus
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Howfel has urged the Chittagong University (CU) authorities to take stern action against those responsible for the ongoing clashes between two groups of students.
The minister spoke to CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shireen Akhter on Saturday and expressed his deep concern over the recent clashes on campus.
CU teacher sacked for attempting to rape student
He asked the VC to take immediate action to identify and punish the perpetrators of the clashes.
Ensure a safe and secure campus for all students by driving out outsiders from the university dormitories.
The minister suggested the CU administration to work with the university teachers and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and discipline on the campus.
Nowfel warned that no one will be spared, regardless of their political affiliation.
10 injured in factional clash within CU Chhatra League
The VC called a meeting of the university's law and order committee for Sunday morning to discuss the situation.
A series of clashes between two factions of Chhatra League since Wednesday have raised concerns about the safety and security of students on the campus.
CU teacher sacked for attempting to rape student
A teacher of Chittagong University (CU), Prof Mahbubul Matin, was sacked from his post over attempt to rape a student of the university.
The CU took the decision at the 548th special syndicate meeting on Friday night, said Mohammad Ali, a member of the syndicate.
“The two committees, formed to investigate into the allegation of sexual harassment, found evidence against Prof Matin, and members of the Syndicate recommended to sack him,” said Mohammad Ali.
10 injured in factional clash within CU Chhatra League
A female student of the university’s Chemistry Department brought an allegation against Prof Matin of sexually harassing her during conducting thesis on January 31.
The students of the university later staged demonstration and sit-in programme demanding removal of the teacher.
Two Chittagong University proctors quit
The student also submitted a written complaint to the proctor. According to the complaint, Prof Matin took her to his room in the name of academic assistance and tried to rape her.
Later, the authorities concerned formed two probe bodies to look into the allegation.
IHSB hosts thrilling Math Olympiad, Biochemistry Olympiad, and STEM Fest
International Hope School Bangladesh (IHSB) hosted a riveting Math Olympiad, Biochemistry Olympiad, and STEM Fest on Friday.
Organized by student-governed clubs, these events showcased the dedication and talent of students from various educational backgrounds.
The Math Olympiad, one of the highlights of the two-day extravaganza, attracted an impressive cohort of 900 participants. With challenges designed to test mathematical acumen and problem-solving skills, contestants engaged in intense competition, striving to outshine their peers and claim top honors. From complex equations to intricate geometric puzzles, the Math Olympiad pushed participants to their intellectual limits, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and academic excellence.
Simultaneously, the Biochemistry Olympiad, another cornerstone of the event, drew nearly 500 aspiring scientists and researchers. Participants delved into the fascinating world of biochemical phenomena, exploring topics ranging from enzymatic reactions to molecular structures. Through a series of rigorous assessments and practical tasks, competitors demonstrated their understanding of biochemical principles, showcasing their potential as future leaders in the field of life sciences.
Complementing the Olympiads was the IHSB STEM Fest, a vibrant celebration of innovation and creativity. Featuring a diverse array of 100 projects and miniature metro-rail, the fest provided a platform for students to showcase their scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and engineering marvels. From robotics demonstrations to sustainable energy solutions, each project reflected the passion and ingenuity of its creators, inspiring attendees and judges alike.
"We are thrilled to see such overwhelming participation and enthusiasm for our Math Olympiad, Biochemistry Olympiad, and STEM Fest," remarked Asiful Haque, president of the IHSB STEM Club.
"These events not only encourage academic excellence but also foster collaboration, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning. We are immensely proud of all the participants and commend them for their dedication and hard work."
The success of the Math Olympiad, Biochemistry Olympiad, and STEM Fest underscores the commitment of IHSB to nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders. By providing students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences and competitive challenges, the school empowers them to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to society.
10 injured in factional clash within CU Chhatra League
At least ten people, including two police officers, were injured in clashes between two factions within the Chittagong University (CU) unit of the ruling party student front, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) on Friday.
The latest clashes took place this afternoon in front of the university’s Shahjalal and Shah Amanat halls.
It's a continuation of the same clash that started on Wednesday, over the trivial matter of sitting at a tea stall.
Contacted, Shimul Biswas, former vice-president of Chittagong University BCL, said "The clashes started on Wednesday and then escalated between two hall-based groups. Both sides are blaming each other.”
The university's Proctor Nurul Azim Sikder said police officers were deployed between the two dormitories, and added action will be taken after investigating the incident.
Apart from the 10 today, earlier at least 15 BCL leaders and activists were injured over the first two days.
'BCL factional clash' at CU
Two factions of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) locked into a clash at the Chittagong University on Thursday afternoon.
The clash broke out between the 'Bijoy' and 'Sixty-Nine' factions of Chittagong University Chhatra League around 1 pm which lasted for an hour.
Police-hawkers clash in Chattogram: Case filed against 1200 people
However, there have been no reports of injuries till the filing of this report.
The members of the Sixty-Nine group have taken position at the Suhrawardy Hall while the Sixty-Nine group is at Shahjalal Hall, Najemul Alam Murad, CU assistant proctor, said.
On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.
"Both groups were sent to the hall. Additional police forces were deployed on the campus," he added.
Earlier the same group locked into chase and counter-chase at the campus on Wednesday night.
The BCL men pelted brick chips towards each other during the clash. Some BCL men were seen carrying sticks and iron rods.
2 suffer bullet wounds in clash between AL, independent candidates’ supporters in Ctg
Sakhawat Hossain, one of the leaders of the Bijoy group, said that Rashed, a student of the 2017-18 session of the Education and Research Department, was beaten up during today's 'pitha utsab' over previous enmity, triggering the violence.
Negligence by school authority put 14 out of 22 examinees out of SSC exam in Mymensingh
Despite paying registration and other fees, a total of 14 out of 22 students of a school could not sit for this year’s Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations that began on Thursday in Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh.
The incident sparked anger among students, parents and locals.
Holding the school authority responsible for the irreparable loss, they demanded punishments of the accused.
The victims, who already lodged a written complaint to the Upazila Nirbhai Officer in this regard, are students of Mukhi Pallisevak Multipurpose High School under Mashakhali union of the upazila.
According to the complaint, they were regular students of the school and paid their registration and other fees on time.
At that time, the school authorities informed them that the forms had been filled. But on Wednesday, the examinees came to know that their admit cards did not come and even their registrations weren’t made.
In the face of movement, the school authorities assured the examinees that the admit card would come while only 8 out of 22 students finally received the admit cards and sat for the examinations.
Abdul Jalil, father of one of the victims Jihad Al Abid, said, "The school authorities informed me on Tuesday afternoon that my son's form was not filled. Such cheating with students is not acceptable. I demand punishment for those involved in the incident.”
The deprived students also made similar statements saying that they couldn’t accept the loss of a year from their lives due to the cheating of teachers.
Admitting the fault, the school’s ICT teacher Rezaul Huq who was involved with the registration process, expressed sorry for that.
“They (students) could not take part in the exam due to our mistake. We are trying to convince parents and students. Many parents are threatening us in various ways. Since I made a mistake, I would accept any punishment,” he said.
Headmaster Abdul Hannan said that he failed to understand how such a mistake happened in the registration.
Upazila Secondary Education Officer Rafiqul Islam said that they first came to know that 22 examinees did not get the admit card. Later 14 of them finally missed the exam and the matter is under investigation.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Shafiqul Islam said, "We have received a complaint from the students. The matter is being seriously investigated.”
IU forms body to probe ragging 'by BCL men'
A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the ragging of a first year student allegedly by some Bangladesh Chhatra League(BCL) at Islamic University in Kushtia.
A press release, signed by IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan, was issued in this regard on Wednesday night.
IU Vice-Chancellor Professor Sheikh Abdus Salam formed the body headed by IU Economics department Professor and also the university’s Sheikh Russel Hall provost Professor Debashish Sharma to investigate the incident, the press release said.
Read: Govt nationalises 828 educational institutions: Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury
IU law administrator Professor M Anisur Rahman while assistant proctor, also a lecturer of finance and banking department of the university, Mithun Bairagi are members of the probe body.
The probe body was asked to submit its report as early as possible, said the release.
The Lalon Shah Hall authorities also formed a four-member probe body headed by its provost Professor Aktar Hossain to investigate the incident.
The other members of the probe committee are the hall’s house tutors Abdul Halim, Helal Uddin and assistant registrar Zillur Rahman.
IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan told UNB that the university administration will take stern action against the accused involved in the incident after getting the probe report.
Earlier, some activists of Awami League’s student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League’s Islamic University unit allegedly tortured a first year student of the Al-fiqh and Legal Studies department at Lalon Shah Hall of the university on February 7.
Read: IU fresher ‘ragged by BCL men’ again
The incident came to light after the victim disclosed the matter to his classmates on Monday.
Campus sources said that a group of IU BCL unit activists led by Physical Education department’s second year student Mudachsir Khan Kafi and Islamic History and Culture department’s second year student Mohammad Sagor called the victim to their room at Lalon Shah Hall of the university.
They allegedly undressed the victim and tortured him there from 12 am to 4:30am on February 7 last.
Mudachsir Khan Kafi and Mohammad Sagor are the followers of IU BCL unit general secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy.
The accused also assaulted the victim with a steel stick and hurled abusive words.
'New opportunities for Bangladeshi students in UK'
The Chief Executive Officer of international education specialist Study Group, which partners with more than 50 leading universities, has recently visited Dhaka to ensure that accomplished Bangladeshi students are aware of new opportunities to access the world class education available in the UK.
On his first visit to Bangladesh, CEO Ian Crichton demonstrated how British higher education, although grounded in tradition, is continually evolving to meet the changing ambitions of Bangladeshi students seeking a successful future.
Bangladeshi students are prioritising programmes with strong industry connections and internship opportunities in highly skilled fields aligning with the UK's emphasis on career-oriented education. With business and management related degree programmes already attracting a significant number of Bangladeshi students, there's a growing interest in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, law, renewable energy, marketing and entrepreneurship. The UK excels in many of these areas, attracting students seeking cutting-edge education and future-proof skills.
“The UK universities provide safe access to high quality learning, which is amongst the best in the world,” said Crichton, chief executive officer, Study Group, “It is the product of hundreds of years of development and today the UK continues to lead the way in delivering truly inclusive global education backed by world class research.”
“However, while we anticipate a growing number of Bangladeshi students will pursue their higher education in Britain, we believe that many are unaware of the International Year One route to university,” said Crichton.
“Study Group’s International Year One programmes are designed in collaboration with our partner universities for international students who have demonstrated the aptitude to enter an undergraduate degree but need additional language instruction and support designed around the academic skills associated with that level of study. Successful students can then go on to achieve a degree at their chosen university within two years. We are delighted to introduce a number of new International Year One programmes this year.”
Provost and Chief Academic Officer Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon oversees Study Group’s academic staff and teaching at the International Study Centres delivered in partnership with universities.
“Our International Year One programmes are intensive preparation courses for further study at one of our partner universities. They provide our students with the knowledge and skills equivalent to that of the first year of a specific undergraduate,” she said.
Govt nationalises 828 educational institutions: Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury on Wednesday said that the government has nationalised 828 educational institutions in the last 15 years.
They include 54 schools and colleges, 374 colleges, 347 schools and 49 technical institutions, he said in Parliament.
No plan to change new education system: Education Minister
The education minister said this while responding to a tabled question of ruling party MP elected from Chattogram M Abdul Latif.
In response to the question of Awami League lawmaker elected from Natore Shafiqul Islam Shimul of Natore-2 constituency, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury said that the present government has no plan to resume JSC and PSC final examinations.
Seminar on the genetics of purple potato held at BAU
In response to the question of M Abdul Latif, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Rumana Ali said that currently the number of government primary schools in the country is 51,026.
“The process of bringing private educational institutions under registration under new rules is going on. The government has no plan to nationalise those private educational institutions,” she said.
IU fresher ‘ragged by BCL men’ again