Nine individuals including five trustees of the North South University Board of Trustees were granted bail in a case of embezzlement of additional funds for the purchase of land for the university’s 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.
East West University’s Department of English is accepting applications for the MA in TESOL program for Spring 2025, deadline for applications is 10 February. MA in TESOL program offers a comprehensive curriculum, combining theoretical and practical knowledge in linguistics and advanced teaching methodologies. Program is led by experienced professors who bring real-world insights and research to the classroom.
Internationally recognized TESOL certification opens doors to exciting job prospects for teaching English anywhere in the world.
Students can choose from full-time or part-time study modes and on-campus teaching assistant opportunities and scholarships are available. The program also fosters a supportive community of learners and educators, fostering collaboration and a rich learning environment. Apply now to turn your passion for English into a rewarding career.
East West University Admission Coaching: https://brightadmissioncoaching.com
East West University’s Department of Law has been named the runner-up in the 29th Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition, Bangladesh National Rounds 2024-25. Competition organized by Hearth Bangladesh and the Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and took place from January 23 to 25, 2025.
Competition one of the top three national moot competitions in Bangladesh saw 38 teams participate with 32 advancing to the oral rounds. Competition the largest national round of the Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition to date featured four segments: preliminary, quarter-final, semi-final and final.
EWU team consisting of Speaker-1 Sabbir Ahmmad, Speaker-2 Afrin Sultana Anika and Puspita Akter demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and dedication. EWU team coached by Professor Shah Maruf Uddin Ahmed demonstrated their skills through a rigorous round of arguments, Q&A and rebuttals – ultimately securing the runner-up position. This East West University team expresses gratitude to Shamshad Bashar for her support throughout their preparation.
University of Asia Pacific (UAP) held an orientation program for newly admitted Fall 2024 students on 25 January 2025. Event was chaired by architect Mahbuba Haque chairman of UAP board of trust (BOT) and attended by special guests such as foreign secretary and inspector general of missions of Bangladesh. Other speakers included Dr. Qayyum Reza Chowdhury, Dr. M Alauddin and others.
Four successful alumni from UAP were invited to the orientation to wish and inspire the freshers. Orientation also included heads of departments, faculty members, administrative staff, students and guardians of the new students. UAP administration organized an exchange meeting with parents and guardians of the new students after the program.
American International University-Bangladesh’s Department of Law organized a “Bridging Theory and Practice: A Study Tour” on January 2, 2025 for the Labor and Industrial Law course. Tour combined classroom instruction with real-world industry exposure focusing on the Fakir Fashion Limited in Baliapara, Rupgonj, Narayangonj. Tour began with a speech by Rostoma Begum Chaudhary AIUB assistant professor of law and included AIUB faculty members Soeb Aktar and Fahim Faisal Khan Alabi. Tour included interactive sessions with students and concerned departments of Fakir Fashion Limited followed by field visits to the company’s permanent hospital, day care center, production establishments and other factories.
The visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of labor and industrial law from a theoretical to a practical perspective, demonstrating how industries adhere to international labor norms and national labor law frameworks for a sustainable world.
School of Humanities and Social Sciences of North South University (NSU) organized the inaugural session of the ‘SHSS Alumni Discussion Series.’ The series aims to encourage current students to engage in intellectual development and research through alumni.
Event was organized on campus on Thursday (January 23).
Keynote address was delivered by Sayere Najabi Sayem, a former student of the Department of Law and Research Associate at Tanjib Alam & Associates a paper titled “Exploring the Viability of Preprints in the ‘Exclusive’ Domain of Legal Scholarship.” She discussed the potential of preprints in independent legal research. The event was held at the SHSS Dean’s Conference Room at 10:30 am.
Event was moderated by Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed associate professor and chairman of North South University Department of Law. Inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Md. Rizwanul Islam dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of Law where he highlighted the importance of preprints.
During the presentation of the paper, the speaker said that preprint is a new type of publication format that has gained popularity in various academic fields, but it has not yet gained importance in legal research. He said that the traditional publishing method can limit the spread of independent research. He emphasized its potential in legal research by highlighting the widespread acceptance of preprints in health sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
After the paper presentation, in the question and answer session, the students discussed the inclusion of preprints in legal research. In response to the students’ questions, the speaker said that increasing the acceptance of preprints in legal scholarship is the need of the hour.
In his closing speech, Dr. Md. Rizwanul Islam thanked the keynote speaker for his important speech and presented a courtesy memento. Teachers and students of the NSU SHSS department were present at the event.
North South University held a seminar titled ‘Nanotechnology: Small Things Matter and Have the Power to Transform Energy, Health, and the Environment’ to advance scientific research and innovation. The keynote speaker, Dr. Jamal Uddin, founder of the Center for Nanotechnology and professor at Coppin State University, highlighted the potential of nanotechnology in transforming fields such as medicine, industry, environment and health. The corona vaccine was developed in just 6 to 9 months, demonstrating the rapid advancement of nanotechnology.
The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammad Hossain Shariar, Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at North South University. The seminar also included a memorandum of understanding signed between North South University and Coppin State University, committing to mutual cooperation to improve education quality. A plan has been made to build a nanotechnology institute at North South University.
On January 6th, 2025, East West University Club for Performing Arts (ECPA) presented their self-written drama adaptation of Nakshi Kanthar Maath inspired by Jashimuddin’s poem. Event which included a colorful Pitha Utshob, showcased the beauty of Bangladeshi traditions and the importance of celebrating the nation’s artistic roots. Drama was staged at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium while the Pitha Utshob was held in the campus courtyard.
Event aimed to blend theatrical storytelling with rural traditions of Bangladesh with over 20 vibrant stalls showcasing traditional pithas, handcrafted items and other cultural treasures. Attendees appreciated ECPA’s dedication to promoting Bangladeshi culture through innovative stage plays and captivating performances, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
Wilfrid Laurier University has campuses in Waterloo, Brantford and Milton all located within an hour’s drive or less from Toronto, Canada’s largest city. These campuses are situated on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, while the Milton campus is situated on the traditional territory of Mississaugas of the Credit and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701.
Wilfrid Laurier University Waterloo is a close-knit campus with over 18,800 undergraduate and graduate students from various faculties. The university is a leading force in research among Canadian universities, with many research centers and institutes housed within the Waterloo Region. Brantford offers a modern learning environment with around 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled, offering programs like Business Technology Management, Applied Health Science, Education, User Experience Design, and Social Work.
Wilfrid Laurier University Milton is tailored to local and commuter students, offering a purpose-built campus in the Milton Education Village. Kitchener houses the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work program, which has 300 graduate students based in the downtown area. Since 1999, the Lazaridis School has offered graduate programming in Toronto’s financial district, enrolling over 250 MBA and MFin candidates each year.
Wilfrid Laurier University maintains a research office in Yellowknife as part of its research partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories, allowing researchers to be based out of the Northwest Territories full time. This location enables year-round field research and fosters close relationships with local government, Indigenous and community organizations.