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Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, an Exchange Program that Offers Scholarships for Bangladeshi Undergraduate Students to Study at a U.S. Community College

U.S. Embassy Dhaka is launching the 2025-2026 Community College Initiative (CCI) Program, an exchange program that offers scholarships to Bangladeshi undergraduate students to study at a U.S. community college for one academic year. The program consists of academic coursework, service learning, internships, cultural exchange, leadership development, and action planning. Students will complete one year of academic coursework at a U.S. community college in their chosen field of study and may earn professional certificates.

The program covers various fields such as agriculture, IT, business and entrepreneurship, applied engineering, early childhood education, and creative economy and media. While not an academic degree program, participants can earn an academic certificate and gain first-hand experience through internships.

Minimum participation requirements include being a citizen, national, or permanent resident, currently residing in the eligible country, 18 years or older by July 1, having successfully earned a higher secondary school certificate, not having completed three years toward a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of study, demonstrating commitment to the selected field of study through academic or professional experience, having basic working knowledge of the English language, having limited or no overseas study experience, submitting a complete original application, receiving a U.S. J-1 visa, being willing and mentally and physically able to complete the program, returning to their home country after completion, and satisfying the two-year residency requirement.

Applications are due on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). To apply, applicants can download the CCI Application Form 2025-2026 or drop their paper applications at the American Center, located at J Block, Progati Sharoni, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212.

Apply here: COMMUNITY COLLEGE SUMMIT INITIATIVE PROGRAM

If you have any questions, please contact the Bright Admission Coaching at research@brightadmissioncoaching.com.

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U.S. Embassy Dhaka Announces 2025-26 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Application

U.S. Embassy Dhaka is launching the 2025-26 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, offering scholars the chance to conduct post-doctoral research and teach at U.S. institutions. Program which aims to provide opportunities for scholars with 10 or more years of professional experience, is open to experienced Bangladeshi professionals, university faculty members, and researchers from think tanks and relevant organizations. The program focuses on various fields such as university administration, curriculum development, distance learning, education technology, public health, biological sciences, pharmacy, climate change and disaster management, urban planning, and international relations.

Program offers research grants for scholars to conduct needs assessments, consult with administrators and instructors, and develop academic curricula or educational materials. It also offers one- or two-semester lecturing grants for Bangladeshi scholars and academics interested in teaching at American universities. Candidates must have excellent English language skills to function professionally in an American university setting.

During the program, Fulbright Visiting Scholars can engage in stimulating topics, meet other Fulbrighters, broaden their intellectual networks, and experience the diversity of higher education in the United States. The Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF) provides funding for campuses to virtually host Fulbright Visiting Scholars for short-term speaking engagements, promoting academic disciplines and cultural understanding. The Enrichment Program offers Fulbright Visiting Scholars activities that enhance their exchange programs, enabling them to better experience America and further the Fulbright Program’s goal of increasing mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries.

Eligibility requirements include being senior faculty members/researchers holding a PhD or equivalent professional training or experience, having a minimum of ten years of professional experience, excellent publication records, excellent English language skills, submitting a detailed project statement of proposed activity at a U.S. institution, and being committed to returning to Bangladesh upon completion of their research/teaching assignments.

Application Information and Deadline:
Applications are due on Tuesday, January 1, 2025, at 10:59 a.m. BST (Bangladesh time).

For submitting online application, please visit https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2025

For detailed application instructions, please check: Instructions for Completing the 2025-2026 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Application

For further information, please contact: research@brightadmissioncoaching.

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CYBERUS Erasmus Mundus Master in Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks, such as ransomware, malware, phishing, web-based and web application attacks, distributed denial of service (DDoS), identity theft, data breaches, botnets, and cyberespionage, have become more sophisticated and often combined to carry out crime, sabotage, espionage, and destabilization. In 2020, there were more connections of IoT objects and equipment than non-IoT terminals, making protecting them urgent. Modern computing systems are vulnerable from computational and storage perspectives, and performance optimizations in IoT and software systems can expose them to attacks and leak critical information.

To address these cybersecurity threats, the CYBERUS Erasmus Mundus Master in Cybersecurity (CYBERUS) is a joint response by Université Bretagne Sud – UBS (Lorient, France), Université du Luxembourg – UL (Luxembourg), Université Libre de Bruxelles – ULB (Brussels, Belgium), Tallinn University of Technology – TalTech (Tallinn, Estonia) and around 50 universities, research centers, state agencies, companies, and business clusters worldwide. The program offers two tracks – IoT cybersecurity and Sofware Cybersecurity – and includes compulsory international mobility.

CYBERUS has been selected for funding by the EU to be an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD), a prestigious, integrated, international study program aimed at enhancing the attractiveness and excellence of European higher education in the world and attracting talent to Europe. The program includes institutional academic cooperation to showcase European excellence in higher education and individual mobility for all students participating in the EMJM, with EU-funded scholarships for the best applicants.

Apply here: https://master-cyberus.eu/

European Union University Admissions and Scholarships Support for Bangladeshi International Students: https://brightadmissioncoaching.com/

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NASA Chief Astronaut Inspires Students at Brac University

Brac University (BU) hosted an inspirational talk by veteran astronaut Joseph M. Acaba, chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office, on 15 December 2024. Acaba, a decorated veteran, former U.S. Marine, and former educator, has logged 306 days in space on three missions and conducted two spacewalks. Event titled “From Earth to Orbit: An Astronaut’s Tale,” allowed students and faculty members to engage with Acaba and gain insights into NASA missions. Acaba discussed his journey, life aboard the International Space Station, the wonders and science behind space exploration, and the importance of STEM education.

Mahbubul Alam Majumdar, Dean of the School of Data and Sciences at Brac University delivered the welcome speech while Scott E. Hartmann, Director for Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy Dhaka also spoke. Acaba advised students to prioritize their education and encourage them to visit NASA’s website for opportunities and pathways. He also urged students to avoid making mistakes as valuable learning experiences.

Acaba emphasized the importance of making our Earth more liveable and reflected on NASA’s vision of exploring beyond what has been discovered so far. He expressed hope that someone from this audience would be selected for NASA’s Artemis squad.

Session was expertly facilitated and moderated by Khairul Basher, Director of Communications at Brac University. In closing remarks, BU Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar encouraged the students and expressed his hope that their names would be on the list of astronauts.

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Shahid Intellectuals Day 2024 Was Celebrated at North South University

Shahid Intellectuals Day 2024 was celebrated at North South University (NSU) with various programs to pay tribute to the invaluable contribution of Shahid intellectuals in the freedom struggle.

On Saturday (December 14), a delegation from North South University paid their respects by laying wreaths at the Martyr Intellectuals Memorial at Roy Bazar in Dhanmondi.

It was attended by academic and administrative heads of the university, teachers, officers of North South University, faculty advisors, and members of the North South University Student Club.

In the afternoon a discussion meeting was organized in the NSU. Atiqur Rahman, director of NSU’s Economics Research Platform (ERP) was present as the keynote speaker on the occasion. NSU Vice-Chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury presided over the event.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the Holy Quran was recited. Everyone observes a minute’s silence to pay respect to the memory of the martyrs.

Abdur Rob Khan Treasurer and Vice-Chancellor (Acting) of NSU delivered the welcome address on the occasion. He said, “Today I remember with deep respect all the intellectuals who were killed by the allies of the Pakistani invaders. We have to build a new Bangladesh keeping in mind the ideals for which they had to give their lives.”

In the main discussion professor Atiqur Rahman said, “Since the creation of Pakistan, those who were involved in various movements, those who were involved in the independence movement, those who were open-minded, those who were involved in the language movement, and those who were capable of leading in independent Bangladesh were identified and killed. It was not just death; it was sheer brutality.”

He further said, “We have to do more to fulfill the wishes of the martyred intellectuals. Work must be done to achieve social justice; work must be done to build an exploitation-free and economically balanced society on the basis of equality.”

Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “Before the victory, the objective of the enemy was that even if this nation became independent, it could not develop intellectually or intellectually. It was a loss that we as a nation are still suffering from.”

He added, “If we look at the recent July uprising, it is clear that we are still struggling as a nation. Why does it take us 10-15 years to topple a dictatorial government? The reason lies in the long-term effects of that loss—the loss of our intellectual foundations. The intellectuals who could have guided this nation were taken away from us, leaving us vulnerable and unable to effectively challenge authoritarian and fascist regimes.”

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Brac University Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) Survey on Election

A recent survey conducted by the Brac University Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) has revealed that 38% of Bangladeshis are still undecided about who to vote for in an upcoming election. The survey, which was conducted between 15 October and 31 October 2024, found that 16% of respondents would vote for the BNP, 11% for Jamaat-e-Islami, and 9% for the Awami League, which was ousted in a mass uprising on 5 August. 2% of respondents would vote for any new political party formed by students, while just 1% would vote for the Jatiya Party.

Survey collected data from 4,158 men and women from all districts (51% rural and 49% urban population) through a telephone survey. It found that the July uprising led to a rise in expectations in August, but when these expectations were not met as anticipated, people began worrying about their future. The results showed that 56% of respondents believe Bangladesh is on the correct path, while 34% believe it is headed in the wrong direction.

Findings contrast with the BIGD Pulse Survey conducted in August 2024, where 71% of people expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s political future, while 12% expressed pessimism. The interim government has had to tackle many challenges, but after the July uprising, the government instilled a sense of euphoria in the public, raising expectations but not presenting reality. The inflation of expectations was likely a result of the government’s messaging, which needs to be reassessed.

Views expressed in this article are the Brac University’s own.

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James P Grant School of Public Health of Brac University Celebrated Its 20th Anniversary at the Westin Dhaka

Brac University James P Grant School of Public Health celebrated its 20th anniversary with a daylong event at the Westin Dhaka. Event attended by global public health leaders, academics, and experts, featured remarks from Laura Reichenbach, dean of Brac JPGSPH, and Syed Ferhat Anwar, vice-chancellor of Brac University. Tamara Hasan Abed, chairperson of the board of trustees, also attended. Jon E. Rohde, senior Lown Scholar at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, shared a video message. Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the chief advisor, praised the school’s contributions to public health, justice, and equity. Two expert panels, titled ‘Public Health Research and Future Needs’ and ‘Public Health Education: Adapting to Meet Emerging Public Health Challenges’, addressed key challenges and opportunities in public health education and research.

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Architecture Department of North South University Held Meet the Graduate: Future Path Program

North South University’s architecture department held a program titled “Meet the Graduate: Future Path” to celebrate its 25th convocation. Event hosted by department chairperson Ar Shahriar Iqbal Raj, allowed graduates to express gratitude to the department’s staff and discuss professional growth, career opportunities, and alumni engagement. Shahriar Iqbal highlighted the importance of joining the Institute of Architects Bangladesh for aspiring architects and discussed potential support for higher education. He also highlighted international opportunities, including collaborations with universities in Australia and Japan.

Program also introduced a new postal attestation service, allowing graduates to have their documents attested without visiting the campus. Event also facilitated discussions on the formation of an alumni body.

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U.S. Embassy Dhaka Hosted an Event at Brac University Campus

U.S. Embassy Dhaka hosted an event on 9 December 2024 to promote the USAID Healthier in Motion wellness campaign at Brac University campus. Event attended by Bangladesh national women’s football team captain Sabina Khatun and players Maria Manda, Ritu Porna Chakma, and Masura Parvin, emphasized the importance of physical and mental well-being, empowering women and girls through traditionally male-dominated activities. Event was attended by U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Megan Bouldin, Brac University Pro Vice-Chancellor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz and Registrar David Dowland.

Event featured a futsal match, yoga session, and dynamic sports and fitness activities. Campaign organized in partnership with Khelbei Bangladesh and Dhaka Flow aims to create an inclusive environment where individuals particularly women can prioritize their well-being and actively participate in physical activities. Healthier in Motion also features regional and national outreach events, bringing together youth, women, and communities alongside fitness professionals, health experts, and celebrities to champion healthy lifestyles.

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Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at East West University Celebrated Biotech Fest

Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at East West University (EWU) celebrated its 12th anniversary with the Biotech Fest. Event was attended by students and researchers from various private universities. Daylong celebration included activities like the Biotech Olympiad and poster presentations, showcasing original research and innovative ideas. Closing ceremony included prize distribution, where the winners of the poster presentation were awarded by Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of EWU. Biotech Olympiad also gave an inspiring speech. Event concluded with remarks from Dr. Suraia Nusrin, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at EWU.