Category: Education

The Dhaka Education Board has published the re-evaluated results of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, where 2,723 students’ results have changed. Out of 70,129 applicants for re-evaluation, 127 previously failed students have now passed, and 344 newly obtained the highest GPA-5. This year’s overall SSC pass rate was 83.04% among around 20 lakh students under 11 education boards. File Photo

Universities and higher education institutions in India can now admit students twice a year – in July-August and January-February cycles starting from the 2024-25 academic session, according to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar. He stated that biannual admissions will benefit students who missed the July intake, enhance global collaborations, increase gross enrollment ratio, and align India with international education standards as envisioned in the National Education Policy 2020.

Bangladesh’s Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury informed parliament about the government’s plan to provide free education up to class 8 to ensure equal access. He said the Department of Secondary and Higher Education is working on implementing the plan within a “logical period.” The minister also disclosed that 29 private universities have vacancies for vice-chancellors, and 4,613 educational institutions lack MPO facilities. Efforts are underway to identify and revoke fake technical education certificates.

Comilla University will resume classes on June 23 after being closed for nearly two months following demonstrations by teachers. The decision was taken at the university’s 95th emergency Syndicate meeting. The university office will reopen on June 9. Deputy Register Officers’ Association President Zakir Hossain was made an OSD for threatening teachers. Academic activities, including departmental exams, have been suspended since April 30 when the university was closed indefinitely amid a feud between the VC and teachers.

The Education Minister, Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, stated that the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent exams scheduled for June 30 might be postponed in areas affected by worsening flood situations. While preparations are underway for the exams, the minister emphasized that the convenience of examinees is paramount. Initial exams won’t be held in severely flood-affected areas, and alternative arrangements will be made to conduct those exams later without compromising the students’ desired results. Prothom Alo

All coaching centers across the country will remain closed from June 29 to August 11 ahead of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations starting on June 30. The decision was announced by the Education Minister at a press conference. The 44-day closure of coaching centers is aimed at ensuring fair conduct of the HSC and equivalent examinations this year. The HSC and equivalent exams are scheduled to begin on June 30.

“Team Diamonds” from Daffodil International University’s Software Engineering Department won the “Most Inspirational” project award at the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2022. Their interactive game-based learning app “Diamond in the Sky” teaches children about stellar variability. The team, led by Tisha Khandokar, will visit NASA, including the Goddard Space Flight Center, to represent Bangladesh and gain insights from space scientists. Their achievement showcases the nation’s potential on a global stage and highlights the importance of creative problem-solving in space science. Photo: Courtesy

The implementation of Bangladesh’s new school curriculum is facing significant challenges one and a half years after its launch. Teachers lack proper training, and the method of evaluating students remains undecided. Two textbooks were recalled due to pressure from Islamists, and a third book faces similar demands over a story deemed controversial. Experts criticize the haphazard rollout, citing inadequate preparation, large classroom sizes, and teachers’ resistance to the curriculum’s activity-based learning approach that could undermine private tutoring opportunities. Photo: Hasibur Rahman Bilu

A Bangladeshi student shares their enriching experience of an exchange semester in Vienna, Austria, facilitated by BRAC University’s OSUN program. The opportunity exposed them to diverse cultures, advanced communication skills, and exposure to eminent professors. It fostered personal growth, research prowess, and a deeper understanding of global issues like distributive justice and fair trade policies. The immersive experience abroad instilled self-reliance and practical knowledge through industry visits, preparing them for future endeavors.

North South University (NSU) has topped the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2024 among Bangladeshi universities, ranking in the 301-350 bracket globally. BRAC University, Khulna University, and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology secured the next three positions in the country. The rankings evaluated 673 universities worldwide based on performance indicators, with 15 Bangladeshi institutions participating, although only four received ranks.

Cumilla University has suspended a Physics department student for allegedly making derogatory comments against religion on social media. The acting registrar issued the suspension letter after the student failed to respond to a show-cause notice within 24 hours. The university’s proctor confirmed the allegations against the student were found to be true by the proctorial body. The authorities took disciplinary action following complaints about the student’s offensive social media posts.

North South University (NSU) has secured the top position among Bangladeshi universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings 2024, ranking in the 301-350 bracket globally. BRAC University ranked second in Bangladesh in the 351-400 bracket, followed by Khulna University (401-500) and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (501-600). The rankings feature the world’s best universities aged 50 years or younger.

In a first for Bangladesh, Chittagong University (CU) will introduce mandatory dope tests for students who passed the recent entry exams for the 2023-24 academic session. The decision aims to prevent drug abuse among freshers. Students must pass the dope test at Chattogram Medical College Hospital to secure final admission. Those testing positive will be denied admission, with vacant seats filled from the waiting list after dope testing.

Academic activities at secondary-level educational institutions in the country will resume on Saturday, as announced by the Ministry of Education today. The decision comes after the High Court’s order to close primary, secondary schools, and madrasas until Thursday due to the ongoing heatwave. However, there is no update yet regarding the reopening of primary schools. photo/Anisur Rahman

Primary, secondary schools and colleges in Bangladesh reopened today after a long break, including Eid and heatwave holidays. Parents expressed concerns about the scorching heat’s impact on children’s health. The Met office extended the heat alert by 72 hours. Primary schools operating in one shift will be open from 8:00am to 11:30am, while double-shift schools will have shorter hours. Assemblies are suspended until temperatures become tolerable, and pre-primary classes remain closed. Photo: Anisur Rahman

Dhaka University has decided to conduct classes virtually until further notice due to the ongoing heatwave sweeping across the country. However, examinations will be held in-person. The decision was made after discussions between the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Sitesh Chandra Bachar. The university’s residential halls will remain open. This move follows the government’s decision to close all primary, secondary, and college-level educational institutions from April 21 to 27 due to the intense heat.