Education related NEWS and updates : Bangladesh

[bd_4_ever]

These VAT should not be imposed on the students... as this will create a huge burdens on the parents of the students.... governmant should rethink about this or these vats can be asked to pay by the private universities as in many occasions they usually charge many extra and high fees....

Yah bro, you are right....first of all, its the finance ministry that is responsible to impose VAT on education....however, Nahid said that he will be sitting with the finance minister and other officials to make them reconsider this decision, you can check today's daily....

Most of the families in BD are limited income earners and over that, education is a basic right of any citizen....it is not right or, more precisely, unfair to dig profits out of it....i hope the VAT is withdrawn and students go back to their routine classes and examination....


Cheers!!!

 

[bd_4_ever]

What is the rate of VAT in those universities? Rich kid can be taxed depending on the amount of fees charged. If that is a high cost university then they must be taxed. I also support VAT on Scholastica and some other high cost english medium school.

Its 4.5% of the tuition fees....

Most english medium schools are taxed....as usually the kids of well-off families study there....it is logical in a sense....


Cheers!!!

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

AIUB AWARDED THE ASIA’S BEST BUSINESS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AWARD

The American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) was indeed very proud and honored to have been chosen to receive the prestigious award - ASIA’S BEST BUSINESS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AWARD from CMO Asia with strategic partners such as: CMO Council, Stars of the Industry Group, World Brand Congress 2010, The Wall Street Journal, Outlook Business, Pan Pacific Singapore and United Group of Institutions. The awarding ceremony was held in Suntec Singapore last 23 July 2010. The Founder Chairman of AIUB, Dr. Anwarul Abedin received the award from the organizers. The awards of highest stature are presented to individuals and institutions who have surpassed several levels of its excellence and set an example of being a role model and exemplary leadership. Individuals behind the institution who are building their institutions through leadership, innovation, academic and industry interface and a supreme objective of building future leaders. It is for this reason that the American International University-Bangladesh was presented the highest award consist of a Trophy and a Citation.
This recognition will challenge and inspire the entire university to further its efforts and expand its horizon in the continuous pursuit for quality and excellence in delivering business programs. The university will continue to create leaders and contribute globally competitive graduates to enhance the business climate in Bangladesh and the whole of Asia. To the men and women behind CMO Asia and its partners, the university will always cherish and value this honor with pride and dignity.

http://www.aiub.edu/HtmlViewer2.aspx?EventsID=365

 

[leonblack08]

What is the rate of VAT in those universities? Rich kid can be taxed depending on the amount of fees charged. If that is a high cost university then they must be taxed. I also support VAT on Scholastica and some other high cost english medium school.

Not everyone's rich.I know some people selling their land and saving hard to study in private unis like NSU,IUB,AIUB.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

VAT on tuition fees to go

Finance minister says

Staff Correspondent

The imposed Value Added Tax (VAT) on the tuition and other fees of the private university students will be withdrawn, Finance Minister AMA Muhith said yesterday.

The official process of withdrawing the VAT will be completed soon, he said while speaking at a dinner organised by Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad at Dhaka Club in the city last night for the print and electronic media.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid also said there will be no VAT on tuition fees of the students of private universities as the finance minister announced to withdraw it within a week.

He also urged the students to concentrate on their studies.

The government imposed 4.5 percent VAT on tuition fees at the private universities in the current fiscal year.

Protesting this, students of private universities took to the streets on Monday and Tuesday in the city demanding withdrawal of the VAT.

They demonstrated at Banani and Mohakhali in the city putting barricades on the Airport Road at Kakoli causing sufferings to the city dwellers.

Police picked up seven students in this connection from the spot on Tuesday but freed them on undertakings yesterday, Deputy Commissioner (Gulshan Circle) AKM Hafiz Akhter told The Daily Star.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=148597

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

RDRS University to usher in new era of higher education in N-region

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 21:06

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

RDRS University to usher in new era of higher education in N-region
Mamun Islam

RANGPUR, July 28 (BSS) - The government approval for launching RDRS University here might usher in a new era of higher education in the country's economically backward northern region.

Authorities of the private sector nonprofit RDRS University are now expecting the approval very soon after passing of the Private University Act in the Parliament to launch its academic activities instantly in the newly-launched divisional city of Rangpur.

Thousands of meritorious students of the region have been failing to get higher education for inadequate number of universities. Inhabited by four crore people, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Haji Danesh Science and Technology University and Begum Rokeya University can admit now only 6,140 students annually, in the region.

Some 37,272 students were eligible for getting admissions into these universities after getting Grade-A in the 2009 HSC exams under Rajshahi and Dinajpur Education Boards, but, 31,132 of them remained deprived of getting admissions this year.

Most of the brilliant students including the females belonging to the poorer families of the region cannot go for admission into country's other universities because of their financial constraints and other limitations.

RDRS has already set up the University in Rangpur six years ago to pave the way for higher, need-based and specialized education with international standard for achieving sustainable developments in the region.

RDRS officials told BSS today that the varsity was set up for ensuring need-based higher education, imparting necessary training, advocacy and strengthening research activities for developments.

The university has all necessary preparations to start academic activities for 10 subjects in six departments right now after appointing 30 permanent professors and associate professors and other teachers and admitting the students.

About 500 students can get admission in every semester and a total of 1,500 students can be accommodated in three semesters from the current academic session that begins from July this year, they said.

The number of departments and subjects including engineering and computer science will be launched and seats will be raised up to 5,000 in the university in subsequent years with ongoing expansions of its infrastructures and facilities.

The RDRS authorities submitted application along with Taka five crore in 2003 for getting approval of the varsity, bought 20 acres of land for Taka two crore and constructed 32,000 square feet academic buildings at Taka five crore long ago.

Chairman of the University Grants Commission and other teams visited the proposed university since 2006 and submitted their recommendations for giving approval for RDRS University to the Ministry of Education in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Experts and educationists are now waiting for launching of RDRS University soon and thanked the government for setting up the long- cherished Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur to create opportunities for higher education.

RDRS University has been conducting huge research activities under bi-lateral agreements signed with the reputed universities, research institutions and external departments of the USA, European Union and other countries.

Some 54 local and foreign students have already completed their MS courses, 43 foreign students their internships and two completed their Ph.D. research and two are conducting the same under the RDRS University.

The university will realize monthly tuition fees ranging between Taka 3,000 and 4,500 from the students depending on the subjects and try to create job opportunities in the ongoing huge development activities of RDRS in the country.

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

BUET tops BD at 2916th


Thu, Jul 29th, 2010 11:01 pm BdST

Dial 2000 from your GP mobile for latest news
Solaiman Niloy writes

Dhaka, July 29 (bdnews24.com) – Dhaka University has been ranked at 5531st in the world according to an online publication, failing to gain a place even within the top 100 of Asia.

In fact not a single Bangladeshi university made into the first 100 in Asia. However, the premier university that used to be fondly called 'Oxford of orient' was 76th in South Asia.

The information came out in a research conducted by 'Consejo Superior De Investigacion Cientificas', Spain's largest public research institute. The institute publishes such a report in January and July every year.

The institute published a list of 12,000 universities from 20,000 on July 10.

Besides the number of publications from a university, the report also considered personal publications of the faculty.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) holds the first position of all Bangladeshi universities at 2916, with BRAC University coming second at 4577. Dhaka University was third.

In this regard, DU vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique told bdnews24.com that the university did not have many publications on-line due to limitations. He suggested that despite much research and scholastic pursuit the number of publications per se did not reflect that appropriately.

"This position is a result of the difference between on-line publications and those in published in hard copy. We are working on reducing the difference," he added.

He also said that the technology to publish online journals had become available for students.

"The number of on-line publications is increasing due to such initiatives," said Arefin.

He mentioned about the university's wireless internet connections at different spots including the Teacher-Student Centre.

"The entire university will be under the [wireless] network soon," he said.

"We are working on digitising the library," he added.

The five top universities are Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of California at Berkeley and Cornell University.

The six Bangladeshi universities with places in the first 100 in South Asia are Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (23), BRAC University (56), Dhaka University (76), American International University Bangladesh (87), East West University Bangladesh (95) and Daffodil International University (99).

There are 72 Indian universities within the top 100 in South Asia while Pakistan had 14, Sri Lanka had seven and Nepal had one.

The positions of other universities are Independent University Bangladesh (6,860), North South University Bangladesh (7,078), Rajshahi University (7,196), Islamic University of Technology (8,759), Jahangirnagar University (8,789), Shahjalal University of Engineering and Technology (9,409), Ahsanullah University of Engineering and Technology (10,203), International University of Business and Technology (10474), Noakhali University of Engineering and Technology (10,503), University of Asia Pacific Bangladesh (10,518), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (10,647), Asian University for Women (10,667), International Islamic University Chittagong (11,043), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (11,235), Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (11,422), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (11,142) and National University (11,643).

BUET tops BD at 2916th | Education | bdnews24.com

 

[CaPtAiN_pLaNeT]

Greenland Polytechnic Institute opened

Business Desk

Greenland Group on Tuesday opened Greenland Polytechnic Institute in Amulia Model Town at Demra in Dhaka with an aim to develop skilled manpower.
Local lawmaker Habibur Rahman Molla inaugurated the institution, said a news release. The polytechnic institute offers four-year courses in the departments of civil, electrical and computer.
Habibur Rahman also distributed certificates among the students of ‘Greenland Training Centre.’
Greenland Group chairman Mohammed Abdul Hai, expatriate welfare and overseas employment ministry secretary Zafar Ahmed Khan, BMTE director Khorshed Alam Chowdhuty and BAIRA chairman Mohammed Abul Bashar were present.

Business

 

[bd_4_ever]

4icu.org is not at all a reliable source for university rankings....

The world best Harvard in not even in top 5 whereas, university from Mexico and China is ....the publisher of this ranking was surely on cocaine....

QS rankings and Times Magazine rankings are the best as they are known to take most of the vital aspects in consideration....


Cheers!!!

 

[TopCat]

4icu.org is not at all a reliable source for university rankings....

The world best Harvard in not even in top 5 whereas, university from Mexico and China is ....the publisher of this ranking was surely on cocaine....

QS rankings and Times Magazine rankings are the best as they are known to take most of the vital aspects in consideration....


Cheers!!!

Instead of University ranking that should be called "Online Publication Ranking" of university. That is the criteria here.. Doesnt it?
It ranked whole bunch of private university in BD above public universites who even does not have a campus let alone quality Professors with PhD.

 

[bd_4_ever]

Instead of University ranking that should be called "Online Publication Ranking" of university. That is the criteria here.. Doesnt it?
It ranked whole bunch of private university in BD above public universites who even does not have a campus let alone quality Professors with PhD.

Well, yes you can also call that....After all, my point was that if anyone is to rely on such rankings....QS and Times are the best....i myself used it when i was busy applying abroad....

Well, public universities are usually not ranked according to their achievements, it is the case everywhere except Canada....all the universities there are public....in Australian system there is a mixture where, mostly it is public....but usually the high ranked ones are private....in USA, there are "tiers", the first-class are the world-best like we know, Harvard, MIT, Stanford all of which are private....but there are some highly reputed public universities in USA which do not come high in the rankings, like Georgia Tech, Minnesotta....


Cheers!!!

 

[Skies]

Going Global

Bridging Education

Sumaiya Ahsan Bushra

"I have never travelled by air. It was such an exciting experience for me. In fact, the entire trip was like a dream to me!” said Samia Islam Suchi from Willes Little Flower School when asked about her experience of a visit to the UK under British Council's Connecting Classrooms Project.

Recently, five students from five Dhaka schools have been to their partner schools in Isle of Wight, UK from 4-11 July as part of their international school partnership work Connecting Classrooms. British Council is supporting this kind of partnerships for the last two years along with another more 17 cluster partnerships across the country. In this visit one student from each school, Farhan Muhtadi Rahman from Govt. Laboratory High School, Sunehra Tasnim from Viqarunnisa Noon School and College, Fariha Reza Khan from Udayan Uchcha Madhyamik Bidyalay, Samia Islam Shuchi from Willes Littles Flower School and College and Mehnaz Hossain Antora from Agrani School and College, got the opportunity to visit three different schools in the Isle of Wight. The three schools were Green mount Primary School, Mayfield Middle School and Ryde High School. The teachers who accompanied these students on the exchange programme were Najmus Sehar, Assistant Teacher from Viqarunnisa Noon School and A.K.M Abdul Matin, Assistant Teacher from Udayan Uchcha Madhyamik Bidyalay.

On returning to Bangladesh, the students of these schools were asked to share their experiences in UK with the teachers, students and friends of their respective schools. Each one had something to share or implement into their school's education system. They talked about the education style in the UK schools, how the students interacted in class, their classroom environments, etc. Further on, they spoke about how they prepared and presented papers on their own schools in the UK schools they visited. Samia from Willes Little Flower School and Fariha from Udayan Uchcha Madhyamik Bidyalay prepared power-point presentations on their schools. On top of that, they participated in cultural programmes in the three schools which further strengthened their bonding with the students of their partner school. Moreover, they also shared power-point presentations on the issues history and culture as part of their ongoing collaborative curriculum project.

“They were so surprised to see Henna, they all wanted to decorate their palms with the beautiful colour of Henna”, mentioned Sunehra Tasnim of Viqarunnisa Noon School. In addition, they also talked about their visit to famous places like, Tower Bridge, Millennium Bridge, London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Globe Theatre and many other places of astonishing beauty and historical significance. At last, when these students were asked about how they could implement the UK education techniques (which they experienced) into the Bangladeshi education system, they shared a handful number of points. They suggested on building a friendly student-teacher relationship, enhancing the quality of teaching-learning by interactive group discussions, implementing multimedia and visual aids for better understanding and improving the classroom environment.

The Connecting Classrooms project aims to provide a platform to students for collaborative curriculum projects through which they will develop the skills necessary for the challenge of 21st century, the professional development of the teachers, school leadership, policy dialogues and social action are other aspects of Connecting Classrooms project. It also harbours a thriving cross cultural relationship between students through the means of a website titled 'Bangladesh Project' where the Dhaka and Isle of Wight students can create blogs and write on various issues. Such exchanges enable students to develop creative ideas, exchange of experiences and implementation of wide range of ideas for the betterment of their county and education system.


Copyright (R) thedailystar.net 2010

 

[Skies]

Did you know?

The Dream School of Tomorrow

Adiba Rahman

'Amra Shobai Raja amader ei Rajar Rajottey…' Yes indeed, children are the rulers of their own kingdom. The ARCHKids-- Architecture for Kids 2010 was arranged by the Department of Architecture, Brac University. It commenced with the afore mentioned song as 25 youngsters between the ages of 5-12 years sang to their hearts' content with the guidance of the renowned singer Sadi Mohammad, the Special Guest at the occasion. The theme of this year's ARCHKids was “Dream School”. The children selected were from different schools and their ideas, integrated as one, was to come up with a school of their dreams.

At first, the children watched parts of an animated film UP with their parents. The volunteers then handed out t-shirts, helped put them on along with their badges before taking them on a tour of the department where the senior students' work were exhibited. Some wondered what the drawings represented, a few inquired about the models while the others silently observed in amazement. In due time, the tour ended and the children were taken to a room where they had to sit facing each other and introduce themselves. The participants were students from Nalonda (Chayanaut), Auronee Biddalaya, T&T Ideal Girls' High School, South Breeze School, Cherry Blossom School, Play Pen School, Australian International School and The City School International.

We all take time getting acquainted with one another and so do children. The feeling of insecurity exists among us all. To break the ice, the children were asked to hold each others' hands and were handed out candies on the basis of which they were put into groups. There were 5 groups in total each consisting of 5 children with 2 volunteers and a teacher's assistant for guidance. While they enjoyed their candies, the children participated in the mask-making activity. They were handed out masks that they could paint however they liked. In the process dozens of artful masks were produced. Some kids were not confident with their artistic skills but observing their peers, inevitably gave into the flow of creativity. Everyone put their masks on as soon as they were finished (including the teachers and volunteers) and the room turned into a crowd attending a masquerade party!

Each group was then handed out a blank base of 30”X20”, some trees of different sizes (toothpicks with cotton) and a set of 14 white blocks 10 in bigger modules (to represent classrooms) and 4 smaller ones (a principal's room, teachers' room, café and library) and of course a set of colours to design the school of their dreams. Their countless questions were answered by the volunteers and teachers' assistant who were always on the vigilant. And so, the flurry of actions began. The children were asked to think about things that their own school lacked. What is it that they thought was vital to a school? What would make their institution more to their liking? What elements would make them love their school more and encourage them to look forward to it more than they already do? Young minds whirred as some already took felt tips to

draw windows on the classrooms and picked up paintbrushes to give life to the trees.

Out of the five dream schools that were designed, each had some common features. Every child wanted a huge playfield that took up most of the base. Some segregated the grounds to form a basketball court, cricket pitch and football field. Some even declared that since this was a “dream school” anything is possible and so the final World Cup match between Spain and Netherlands would take place here! Swimming pools was another common feature. The once white base was soon filled with an array of green, yellow and blue.

The trees were not limited to just green. There were red trees (Krishnachura?) and some multi-coloured ones too. Some formed a single building with a few stories, others were individual blocks with a tree beside each block but they were all together, clustered to one end of the base while the outdoor spaces were arranged in the other parts. I have to admit, their level of perception is remarkable. Besides the trees, the building blocks were also multi-coloured an orange building with purple glass. And why not? It is a dream school after all. One group decided not to have a principal's room. “We don't have a principal in our dream school”. Instead they had 2 cafes, one closer to the building blocks and the other closer to the fields. When asked how that would be accessed, one of the kids answered, “It's a dream school, you can fly there!”

At the end of their designing activity, each group presented their work in front of everyone. A speaker among the group explained the designs. Each school was given a name. There was 'A Green School', 'Greenland', 'Wonderland', 'Dream School' and 'Colour School'. People were drawn on the fields. Some designed their school gate while others drew huge butterflies fluttering throughout the school. They all had messages to share as well. They all wanted open spaces, be it fields or swimming pools. They realise that harmony can be achieved with a blend of both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Each group's work was appreciated by the on-lookers. Sadi Mohammad awarded each child with a certificate while photo shoots ensued in full swing. Prof. Zainab F. Ali thanked the parents for encouraging their children to participate. At the end of it all, the children were asked what were missing. A child declared 'food'! The handing of food to each kid brought about the happy ending. Before joining their waiting parents they exchanged hugs and goodbyes with all the volunteers and teachers.

ARCHKids is an outreach programme of the Department of Architecture, BRAC University. It began in 2005 and has had a number of events where either school children were invited to the department or faculty and students from the department went out to various schools. The objective of this programme is to encourage creativity in kids and open their minds to architecture and their surroundings. It is a fun event for not only the kids but grown-ups too; who are involved in arranging the programme where an idea as perceived by a child is portrayed. Every child has a dream which he or she wishes to turn to reality. Of course their imagination may run wild (with multi-coloured trees and blocks and intentions to fly) but there definitely is a way to fulfill their more practical wishes. After all, the kingdom is theirs and so is the future.

(The writer is a student of BRAC University)




Copyright (R) thedailystar.net 2010

 

[Skies]

Spotlight


Lackings in Curriculum

Antia Reza

STUDENTS may face a host of problems while getting admission in universities. In private universities, there are different departments, such as Business Administration, English, Computer Science, Engineering and so on. Different students have interest in different subjects. But sometimes, they cannot choose their desired subjects. One particular student complained that they are at times, forced to take some courses that are not job oriented. There is no way that those courses will come to any use later on. Teachers will notice that the students are not doing well in these courses. Still, no steps are being taken against such occurrence. They continue to give pressure on students in spite of noticing that they are not being able to do well in those courses. In the process, their academic performances go down, which in turn, affects their CGPAs.

Some university authorities are increasing the number of courses which are not relevant to any particular department. Students are forced to take those courses due to lack of options. Courses should be selected keeping the reality of job market in focus.

(The writer is a student of BRAC University)




Copyright (R) thedailystar.net 2010

Spotlight


Give Us The Chance, We can Do Better


Sadia Afrin Arin

Sometimes university students are forced to take courses in which they do not have any interest at all. As a student of a private university, I have faced these problems several times. Consequently, I never did well in those courses. I asked myself many times, “Why can't I choose my own subject? Why do I have to take Biology, Math, Economics or Geography courses?” My performance in these subjects was below my expectations. My question is why the university authority does not regard this as a serious issue. However, I am lucky that I am studying the subject that I wanted to, but there are students who do not even get the chance to study the subject they want to build a career. In such cases, they study other subjects and as a result their potentials often go to waste. Students studying their favourite subject, make their future and career better. One of my friends, Triloy, got admission in English but he wanted to study in Business Administration. As he did not do well in the Mathematics part in the admission test, he had to study in English for one year, but he managed to change his department and got admission in BBA later. “I am so happy now that I'm studying in BBA but I regret as I lost one year”, said Triloy. “My friends and batch mates will get their graduation before me”, he added.

My classmate, Ridwan, is studying in English with me. He gave admission tests in different public universities including University of Dhaka, Khulna University and Jahangirnagar University. In Khulna University he gave the admission test for BBA but did not get chance and same thing happened in the University of Dhaka where he did not get chance in 'Gha Unit'.

From my perspective, everyone should get the chance to do better in his or her study and it is possible only when they can study the subject of their interest.

(The writer is a student of BRAC University)











Copyright (R) thedailystar.net 2010

 

[bd_4_ever]

Disaster management course in educational institutions

Food and Disaster Management Minister Dr Abdur Razzak on Saturday said courses on disaster management would be introduced in educational institutions in phases to make the people aware on the issue.

These activities would be run across the country under Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP), he said and added, the courses have already started in Dhaka University and Patuakhali Science and Technology University.

The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on '5th Expert Consultation Meeting on Disaster Management Curriculum' at MIT conference room in Mirpur Cantonment under the management of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP).

The workshop was organised for the teachers and coordinators of recently introduced three courses in the BUP. The courses are Masters of Science on Disaster Management, Bachelor of Science on Disaster Management and Post-graduate Diploma on Disaster Management.

The Disaster Management Minister said Bangladesh is a disaster- prone country. Natural calamities cannot be stopped. But it is necessary to aware the people could and take preparatory measures in advance.

Therefore, the government has included disaster management in education curriculum, he added.

He said the losses from natural calamities could be reduced to half with preparedness in advance.

The minister said natural disasters severely affect the poorer section of society and jeopardizes the food security.

Replying to questions from journalists after the function, Dr Abdur Razzak said the losses from cyclone SIDR and flood in 2007 amounted to Taka 19,000 crore while the loss from cyclone Aila was Taka 7,000 crore.

He said the country did not get any significant foreign assistance for rehabilitation after the Aila.

He said 47 embankments were damaged in 11 upazilas affected by Aila. The government has repaired 42 embankments and the remaining five would be repaired by October-November.

About Taka 136 crore has been spent so far for rehabilitation of the Aila victims, he added.

The Disaster Management Minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the amended edition of 'Standing Order on Disaster (SOD)' and National Disaster Management Plan (2010-2015).

Presided over by BUP Vice-Chancellor Maj Gen Shafiqul Islam, the function was also addressed by Navy Chief Vice Admiral Zahiruddin Ahmed, Patuakhali Science and Technology University Vice-Chancellor Dr Syed Sakhawat Hossain, and Commodore Jasim Uddin.

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