Category: Dhaka

Daffodil International University (DIU) held its 12th Convocation on February 8, 2025, at Daffodil Smart City in Birulia, Savar, Dhaka. Event was attended by Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder Ministry of Primary and Mass Education adviser of Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Dr. Hassan Diab former prime minister of the Republic of Lebanon. Dr. Md. Sabur Khan chairman of DIU board of trustees and Dr. Rahman vice chancellor of Daffodil International University also addressed the convocation ceremony.

A total of 3951 students were conferred upon graduation and post-graduation degrees, with 12 best result-oriented graduates awarded the ‘Gold Medal’ in different categories of Chancellor’s, Chairman’s BoT and Vice Chancellor’s Award. The Chancellor’s Gold Medal winners include Abu Farhan Siam of the Pharmacy Department, Jabed Hasan of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Humayra Asima Mim of the Nutrition and Food Engineering Department, Mashoor Saad Karim of the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department, and Asiful Haque of the Software Engineering Department.

President Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder urged the graduates to use their education for the country’s and society’s welfare, urging them to give back to the country multiples of what they have received while contributing to developing a prosperous Bangladesh. He praised the university’s beautiful green campus and its standing at the world-class standard, stating that it has already achieved a permanent certificate by fulfilling all conditions of the education environment, quality standards, performance related to education, and all conditions of private universities.

Dr. Md. Sabur Khan emphasized DIU’s role as a digital and entrepreneurial powerhouse, equipping students with the tools to navigate the complexities of a tech-driven world. The university’s entrepreneurship programs, such as Startup Market, Oitijjher Haat, and Venture Capital Access, have empowered students to turn their ideas into reality.

DIU remains committed to being at the forefront of this transformation, emphasizing skill-focused, outcome-based education (OBE) and fostering “doers and leaders.” The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including 160 advanced labs, a dedicated sports zone, the Innovation and Incubation Centre, Knowledge Vale, Media Lab, and Gymnasium, are complemented by transformative programs such as Micro-Credential Programs, Employability 360 Degrees, and Art of Living.

Professor Hassan Diab emphasized DIU’s forward-thinking approach, highlighting initiatives like the Blended Learning Centre, Blockchain-Powered Digital Certificate Systems and the transformative “One Student, One Laptop” program that has benefited 65,000 students.

International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh (ICTB) held a public hearing at North South University to gather evidence related to the “July Massacre 2024.” Hearing aimed to collect testimonies and investigate the events surrounding the tragic incident. North South University Vice-Chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Pro Vice-Chancellor Abdur Rob Khan and NSU Registrar Ahmed Tazmin were present. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury urged students and young individuals to present any evidence or information related to the July Massacre. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam stated that justice will be ensured, and evidence held at hearing will play a crucial role in identifying criminals and expediting judicial process.

Students shared their experiences of torture, police shootings, assaults and attacks by armed members of the Chhatra League and Jubo League. Session focused on collecting statements from witnesses, reviewing documented evidence and examining expert analyses concerning the July Massacre.

As part of the proceedings, students from North South University (NSU), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) and other educational institutions participated.

The hearing drew attention from human rights activists, legal scholars, and members of civil society, reinforcing the importance of transparent legal proceedings in addressing historical atrocities.

Brac University welcomed its spring 2025 cohort through an orientation ceremony at multipurpose hall of its Merul Badda campus on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Event marked the beginning of the students’ academic journey, setting the stage for a transformative university experience. Vice chancellor Syed Ferhat Anwar delivered an inspirational speech, urging students to embrace humility, respect and unity. He encouraged them to become responsible citizens, stating, “Love your country and strive to make it proud on the global stage.”

An engaging audiovisual presentation introduced students to Brac University’s rich history and the legacy of its founder Fazle Hasan Abed emphasizing the institution’s commitment to quality education.

Several esteemed university officials also addressed the students, including registrar David Dowland, dean of the School of General Education Samia Huq, Brac Institute of Languages (BIL) Director Professor Shaila Sultana and Humanity Foundation founder Md Adnan Hossain. Their words reinforced Brac University’s dedication to an inclusive and empowering academic environment.

Event moderated by joint director of Student Life Tahsina Rahman also featured vibrant performances by members of Brac University Cultural Club and Brac University Monon. A lively concert concluded ceremony with adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Department of Law at North South University (NSU) held a webinar titled “Extraterritoriality’s Empire: How Self-Determination Limits Extraterritorial Lawmaking” on January 29, 2025. Event was graced by a keynote address from Professor Evan J. Criddle associate dean for Research and Faculty Development, William & Mary Law School who offered insights into the intersection of self-determination and extraterritorial legal frameworks.

Event moderated by Professor Md Rizwanul Islam and discussed the intersection of self-determination and extraterritorial legal frameworks. Professor Criddle’s keynote address highlighted the limitations of enforcing international legal mandates within domestic jurisdictions and offered a nuanced analysis of potential solutions to address these legal complexities. Webinar attracted a diverse audience, including prominent Bangladeshi and international legal scholars, academics, NSU faculty members, students and legal practitioners. Session concluded with an engaging Q&A segment, where attendees actively contributed to the discussion. Event reaffirmed the Department of Law’s commitment to fostering academic dialogue on pressing issues in international law and legal philosophy, cementing its role as a hub for critical legal scholarship.

Brac University is launching a scholarly exchange and outreach program involving three interconnected in-person workshops and an online symposium between Brac University, National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Silchar, Assam, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and Centre for Migration Studies in the Department of History at the University of British Columbia. Initiative aims to create opportunities for exchange between scholars and students, despite the national boundaries that divide the region. Workshop focuses on methodological and pedagogical aspects, assessing the diverse range of approaches to studying the 1947 Partition’s histories.

Workshop asks questions about the drawbacks of existing methods in partition studies, the possibility of new methods, how biases and dispositions influence methods and how to best understand memories concerning Partition. Oral history is a foundational methodology used in studies of Partition, and other research engages with fictional representations and articulations of the Partition experience and its legacy.

Workshop also explores the implications of diverse methodologies for the pedagogy of Partition Studies, how partition can be taught in the contemporary classroom and how to address the politics of trauma and political renderings of that trauma. It also explores the possibilities of the digital, such as digital archiving, digital narration and distant reading in reconfiguring historiographies concerning Partition.

American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) has hosted the first External Quality Assessment (EQA) site visit by the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC) for its Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) program. The visit, which took place from January 21 to 23, 2025, showcased AIUB’s commitment to academic excellence and quality assurance.

The BAC EQA team reviewed all academic documentation, including the curriculum and related materials, and engaged in extensive interactions with various stakeholders, including students, faculty members, administrative staff, employers, alumni and AIUB offices.

The delegation explored the university’s infrastructure, visiting classrooms, laboratories, the library, and IT facilities. AIUB’s Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and Program Self-Assessment Committee (PSAC) provided unwavering support throughout the visit. The BAC team conducted an exit meeting, providing suggestions for further enhancement of AIUB functionality. The EQA Team expressed appreciation for AIUB’s efforts and commitment to quality education. The outcome of the visit will be announced by BAC in the coming days.

Nine individuals including five trustees of the North South University Board of Trustees (NSU BoT) were granted bail in a case of embezzlement of additional funds for the purchase of land for NSU future campus. Judge Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-4 granted their bail on January 30, 2025.

The accused include Azim Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the North South University Board of Trustees; members MA Kashem, Benazir Ahmed, Rehana Rahman and Mohammad Shahjahan; with Ashaloy Housing and Developers Limited Managing Director Amin Md. Hilali, Chairman Omar Faruk, Director Anwar Begum and Syed AK Kamruzzaman. The case was filed on May 12, last year, by ACC Deputy Director Md. Farid Ahmed Patwary, who accused six people of embezzling Tk 303 crore 82 lakhs by showing an excess of Tk 303 crore 82 lakh 13 thousand 497 in the name of North South University campus development.

North South University (NSU) and the Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) have hosted the National Education and Innovation Dialogue 2025; a platform for thought leaders, policymakers and innovators to explore transformative ideas and reimagine the future of education and innovation in Bangladesh. The dialogue was inaugurated by Chief Guest Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adviser to the Ministry of Education and Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Professor SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.

The event featured a plenary session titled Future of Education for an Innovative Nation, featuring distinguished panelists including Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor of North South University; Professor Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice Chancellor of Brac University; Iftakharul (Ifty) Islam, Founder & Chairman of Asian Tiger Capital Partners and Shariful Islam, Founder & Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum.

Chief Guest Professor SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, emphasized the importance of addressing systemic challenges in higher education, stating that the education system must evolve to equip students with the skills needed for the future. He also highlighted the need to integrate technology into the curriculum to keep up with global standards, and encouraged foreign universities to operate in Bangladesh to increase competition.

Professor Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice Chancellor of Brac University, emphasized the need to eliminate academic bureaucracy and encourage foreign universities to operate in Bangladesh to increase competition. However, national universities should not be neglected—they should specialize in specific fields to better serve the nation.

Iftakharul (Ifty) Islam, Founder & Chairman of Asian Tiger Capital Partners, emphasized the need for fostering an innovation ecosystem by addressing the lack of opportunity, wealth disparity, and the absence of a democratic voice. He emphasized that education should help individuals unlock their potential and enable them to rise collectively as a nation.

In the closing ceremony, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, addressed the need for innovation to be ignored, as even small innovations can have a significant impact on the economy.

The first panel discussion, Unlocking Bangladesh’s Startup Ecosystem, addressed the challenges and opportunities faced by startups in the country. Panelists discussed the need for improved access to funding, mentorship programs, and regulatory support to create a thriving startup environment in Bangladesh.

The second panel, Private Sector Innovation: Drivers of Sustainable Growth, emphasized the critical role of the private sector in fostering innovation and driving economic progress. Panelists discussed the need for revising curricula, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in AI research and training to maintain global competitiveness in the digital age.

The fourth panel, Social Innovation and Women Entrepreneurship, celebrated the contributions of women entrepreneurs and innovators to society. Panelists discussed overcoming gender-based barriers, building supportive ecosystems for female entrepreneurs, and effectively using innovation to address social challenges.

The final panel, Innovation Financing: Enabling Growth Through Financial Support, explored the financial mechanisms needed to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. The event concluded with closing remarks by Iftakharul Islam, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and Shariful Islam, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to build an innovation-driven nation.