24th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition was held in Dhaka, hosted by the Confucius Institute at North South University and the Chinese Embassy
Dhaka, May 30, 2025 — The 24th edition of the ‘Chinese Bridge’ Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign University Students was held at the auditorium of North South University (NSU) in Dhaka, showcasing the language skills and cultural understanding of Bangladeshi students.
Organized by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and implemented by the Confucius Institute at NSU, the event was graced by Li Shaofeng, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, as the chief guest. Other distinguished attendees included NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Dr. Par Modiur Rahman, Registrar of Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology, and Chinese language educators from both universities.
In his speech, Li Shaofeng emphasized the importance of language in strengthening China-Bangladesh relations. “Learning Chinese is more than just learning a language—it is part of the wave of mutual communication between our two nations,” he said, praising the students’ performances and language skills.
The event also marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, with Li highlighting the growing political trust, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Dr. Bulbul Siddiqui, Bangladeshi Director of the Confucius Institute at NSU, welcomed participants and noted that the competition plays a key role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and showcasing local talent.
This year’s competition awarded one champion, two runners-up, three third-place winners, and four Excellence Award recipients. The champion will represent Bangladesh in the international finals in China and may qualify for the International Chinese Language Teacher Scholarship Project.
Launched in 2002, the Chinese Bridge competition is a flagship event organized by the Chinese and Foreign Language Exchange and Cooperation Center under China’s Ministry of Education. Over the past 23 years, it has connected participants from over 160 countries, promoting global engagement through language learning.
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Department of Pharmacy at East West University (EWU) organized an industrial visit to Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd., one of Bangladesh’s leading pharmaceutical companies
As part of a strategic academic initiative to integrate practical industry exposure into the curriculum, around 30 students from Department of Pharmacy at East West University (EWU) embarked on an educational industrial visit to Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd., one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh.
Department of Pharmacy at East West University students were accompanied by senior faculty members including Dr. Farhana Rizwan, Dr. Farjana Khatun and others. This visit aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical studies and practical applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Upon arrival, the students received a warm welcome from the management of Popular Pharmaceuticals Ltd., who organized guided tours through various departments including production, quality control, packaging, research and development.
During the visit, students were introduced to:
Latest pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies
Advanced quality assurance protocols
Real-time research methodologies
These sessions provided valuable insights into the operational standards and regulatory practices of a modern pharmaceutical facility.
This initiative was praised by both EWU pharmacy faculty and Popular Pharmaceuticals for its role in fostering academia-industry collaboration. These real-world experiences are critical in preparing pharmacy students for professional roles in the pharmaceutical sector in Bangladesh and beyond.
“This kind of exposure is essential for our students to understand the demands and innovations of the pharmaceutical industry,” said a senior EWU faculty member.
Department of Pharmacy at East West University continues to prioritize experiential learning opportunities for its students. Visits like this one not only enhance students’ academic knowledge but also equip them with practical skills, helping them to become industry-ready professionals.
🎓 IELTS Academic Exam at North South University – July 2025 | Register Now!
Are you preparing for the IELTS Academic exam in Bangladesh? Great news! The British Council, in collaboration with North South University’s Office of External Affairs, is hosting an exclusive IELTS exam session at NSU on July 19, 2025.
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Location: North South University, Dhaka
Registration Period: May 29 – June 4, 2025
Registration Fee: BDT 24,950/-
Required Documents: Valid Passport (6+ months) or Smart NID Card
Registration Venue: Office of External Affairs, NSU
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Reading Workshop: July 8, 2025
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Dhaka, May 27 — The Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN) hosted a two-day national Early Childhood Development (ECD) Conference at Brac University, bringing together over 300 participants, including government officials, UN representatives, ECD practitioners and international experts.
Conference assessed progress since the adoption of the Comprehensive Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy in 2013.
Sharmeen S Murshid adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA) inaugurated the event, highlighting MoWCA’s initiative to establish a dedicated Children Directorate and stressing the need for a national program to promote child and maternal well-being.
Special guests included Deepika Mehrish Sharma of UNICEF Bangladesh and BEN Chairperson Manzoor Ahmed. A posthumous award was presented to M Habibur Rahman, a long-time ECD advocate. NGO Phulki received recognition for its work with children of garment factory workers.
Event was supported by Brac IED, UNICEF, Save the Children, Plan International Bangladesh, Educo Bangladesh, ICHD and RNLI. Keynote and plenary sessions featured speakers from Asia-Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) and global Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN).
BracUniversity: A Pioneer in Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh
Over the past two decades, the landscape of higher education in Bangladesh has undergone a significant transformation, particularly in the private sector. At the heart of this transformation stands Brac University—a visionary institution founded in 2001 by Fazle Hasan Abed. Guided by a mission to provide world-class education aligned with ethical leadership and social responsibility, Brac University has emerged as a leader in innovation, research and global academic collaboration.
Brac University Vision: Education for National Development
Fazle Hasan Abed envisioned Brac University as more than an academic institution—it was to be a catalyst for national development. He believed that higher education must be inclusive, timely, and globally relevant to empower students to lead change both locally and internationally. From inception, the university embraced an international curriculum, research-driven pedagogy, and an emphasis on ethics and leadership, aiming to cultivate responsible global citizens.
Brac University Mission:
A) Academic Excellence with a Purpose
Today, Brac University comprises 9 schools, 6 departments, 3 institutes, and 5 centers, offering programs in fields such as business, engineering, data science, public health, and architecture. With a blend of theory and practical application, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle real-world challenges.
State-of-the-art labs, international faculty, field-based research, and hands-on learning are core elements of the academic experience. Students actively contribute to international publications, conferences, and collaborative research, ensuring their education is globally competitive and locally impactful.
B)Leadership in Research and Innovation
Brac University consistently leads Bangladesh in research investment. In 2020, the university allocated over 16% of its budget to research—more than any other university in the country.
Its diverse research ecosystem includes:
James P. Grant School of Public Health: Tackling public health, gender, and reproductive rights.
BracInstitute of Governance and Development: Addressing poverty, digital inclusion, and climate resilience.
BracInstitute of Educational Development: Innovating in early childhood education and pedagogy.
Center for Climate Change and Environmental Research: Advancing sustainability, renewable energy, and disaster resilience.
Center for Entrepreneurship Development: Supporting startups and social innovation.
Center for Peace and Justice: Promoting human rights and conflict resolution.
Notably, the university launched the ‘Quality Journal Publication Award’ to recognize high-impact research. In 2025 alone, 145 international publications were credited to 57 faculty members.
Brac University also boasts technological innovations like Bangladesh’s first nanosatellite (BRAC Onnesha) and award-winning robotics projects—testament to its growing leadership in STEM fields.
C)Global Connections, Local Impact
Through partnerships with institutions like MIT, Harvard, Stanford and University of Manchester; Brac University provides unparalleled opportunities for student exchange, joint research and global education.
Its active role in the Open Society University Network allows students to collaborate with peers across continents, enhancing global awareness, cultural competence, and employability.
Registrar Dr. David Dowland remarks, “Our international collaborations ensure our students gain global exposure and intercultural understanding, positioning them to thrive in a connected world.”
D)A Green, Future-Ready Campus
The university’s new permanent campus in Merul Badda is a bold step into the future. As Bangladesh’s first eco-friendly campus, it integrates sustainability and smart design. Features include:
50% open green space
Rainwater harvesting and water recycling
Solar energy systems
Green roofing and composting for waste management
The campus not only supports a vibrant learning environment but also serves as a model for sustainable urban development in South Asia.
E) Holistic Student Life and Leadership
Beyond academics, Brac University fosters personal growth through 33 student-run clubs. These provide platforms for debate, robotics, language learning, entrepreneurship, and more. Career fairs connect students with top national and international employers, while workshops enhance practical and leadership skills.
Alumni from Brac University now work at the World Bank, ADB, Apple, Amazon, and leading research institutions. Many have also become successful entrepreneurs and social innovators.
F)Unique Residential Semester
A hallmark of the university is the Residential Semester at the Savar campus. Students live and learn in a community-oriented environment, engaging in leadership training, cultural activities, and field visits to BRAC’s development programs.
This experience fosters empathy, social awareness, and a deep understanding of grassroots realities—transforming students into civic-minded, ethical leaders.
As alumnus Tausif Monawar notes, “The Residential Semester helped us reconnect with real-life challenges and shaped our values and worldview in profound ways.”
Vision for the Future
With an updated mission focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and impactful research, Brac University aims to be a global leader in higher education. Strategic priorities include:
Launching programs in AI, public health, public policy, women’s education, and climate change
Strengthening ties between Brac and Brac University for greater social synergy
Cultivating “global citizens” equipped with empathy, ethics, and innovation
Vice-Chancellor Professor Farhat Anwar affirms, “We envision a sustainable future led by the Global South, and we are ready to educate leaders who will build that future.”
Conclusion
Brac University today is not just an academic institution—it is a movement. A commitment. A reflection of a broader mission to redefine education as a force for good. By integrating academic rigor with social purpose, global vision with local relevance, and sustainability with innovation, Brac University has set a benchmark for 21st-century higher education in Bangladesh and beyond.
Department of Pharmacy at United International University (UIU) headhas been awarded by OWSD
Tahmina Faiz head and associate professor of the Department of Pharmacy at United International University (UIU) has been awarded the 2024 Early Career Fellowship by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) for her exceptional contributions to international scientific research.
This prestigious recognition places Dr. Faiz among an elite group of 15 women scientists worldwide and one of only a few from Bangladesh to receive the OWSD Fellowship this year.
🌍 About the OWSD Early Career Fellowship
This OWSD Fellowship funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada, supports emerging women researchers from developing countries in advancing their careers, building international networks and becoming leaders in their fields.
This initiative is part of the Tongzhou-Ndzhou Fellowship Program, which is designed to strengthen research capacity across the Global South, promote international collaboration and enhance scientific knowledge exchange.
🧪 Innovative Research in Hydrogel Technology
Dr. Faiz holds a PhD from Nagoya University in Japan, a globally reputed institution. Her current research focuses on innovative hydrogel technology for wound healing, which holds promise for advancing treatment in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.
🇮🇹 Participation in Trieste Orientation Workshop
As part of the fellowship, Dr. Faiz recently attended a four-day orientation workshop in Trieste, Italy hosted by OWSD. The workshop gathered selected women scientists from around the world to participate in:
Research planning and leadership sessions
Scientific policy and funding strategies
Science communication and public engagement
Networking and international collaboration activities
On the final day of the event, Dr. Faiz received her official OWSD Early Career Fellowship Award Certificate in a closing ceremony that celebrated the outstanding scientific potential of women researchers globally.
🎓 A Milestone for UIU and Bangladeshi Women in Science
This award marks a significant milestone for United International University, and serves as a source of national pride by highlighting the growing contributions of Bangladeshi women in international science and research.
“This moment is a proud and memorable chapter in my professional life,” said Dr. Tahmina Faiz. “It will further inspire me in future research and in strengthening the global representation of Bangladeshi women scientists.”
Original and 2 photocopies of all academic certificates and transcripts
Admit card (BRACU)
1 recent passport-size color photo
National ID card (copy)
💳 Brac UniversityAdmission Fee
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📅 Important Dates
Document Submission & Admission: 📍 26 – 27 May & 1–3 June 2025
Class Start Date: TBA
Advising & Registration: TBA
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Admission is subject to verification of eligibility and documents.
Submitting false/forged documents will result in cancellation of admission with no refund from Brac University.
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Brac Institute of Languages recently hosted a workshop on using AI and digital tools in foreign language teaching
Brac Institute of Languages (BIL) at BracUniversity recently organized a forward-looking workshop titled “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools in the Teaching of Foreign Languages: Turning a Perceived Threat into a Powerful Alliance.” Held at Brac University’s Merul Badda campus, the workshop explored the growing role of AI in language education, emphasizing the ethical and effective integration of digital tools in the modern classroom.
Led by Global Education Expert Dr. Noura El Sayed Rodriguez
The workshop was conducted by Dr. Noura El Sayed Rodriguez, a seasoned academic with over 15 years of experience in multilingual education, digital innovation and academic leadership. She holds a PhD in Multilingual Education, Multicultural Education and Equity Studies from the University Saint Joseph de Beirut and has worked extensively across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Dr. Rodriguez emphasized that artificial intelligence is not a threat to language education, but rather a powerful ally when used ethically and strategically. She presented case studies and hands-on examples of how AI can enhance foreign language learning outcomes through real-world applications.
Exploring AI-Powered Language Learning Tools
The workshop covered a wide range of AI-powered tools and techniques to support:
Instant feedback and assessment
Grammar and vocabulary development
Writing assistance and style improvement
Pronunciation and speaking practice
Gamification and intercultural exposure
Participants engaged in interactive sessions where they applied AI tools to solve practical challenges such as low student motivation, pronunciation issues, and grammar difficulties.
Addressing Ethical Concerns and Academic Integrity
A major focus of the discussion was on the ethical use of AI in education. Participants raised concerns about the difficulty in identifying AI-assisted work and the impact on academic integrity. Teachers and program coordinators expressed the need for clear institutional guidelines on AI usage to maintain fairness and transparency in assessment.
Dr. Rodriguez recommended that teachers stay informed about the digital tools their students are using and incorporate appropriate AI platforms into their curriculum. This alignment, she explained, can make learning more relevant and effective.
Empowering Educators with Practical Skills and Awareness
The workshop brought together language teachers, curriculum designers, digital education specialists, and academic leaders from across Bangladesh. Participants left with increased confidence in using AI tools, a better understanding of the realistic capabilities and limitations of AI and actionable strategies to responsibly integrate technology into their teaching practices.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Rodriguez encouraged educators to foster open dialogue with students about the use of AI, promoting ethical awareness and responsible digital citizenship in the classroom.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Language Education with AI
This impactful event highlighted how AI and digital tools can revolutionize foreign language education, enabling more personalized, flexible and engaging learning experiences. Brac University continues to take a leadership role in promoting technological innovation and professional development in the field of education.
NSU Hosts Distinguished Lecture on Singapore’s Foreign Policy and Bangladesh-Singapore Relations
NSU SHSS Hosts Seminar on Singapore’s Foreign Policy as Part of Distinguished Lecture Series
School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) at North South University (NSU) recently organized a seminar titled “Reflections on the Foreign Policy of a Small Country: The Case of Singapore.” Event was part of the prestigious NSU SHSS Distinguished Lecture Series, aiming to enhance students’ understanding of global affairs and foreign policy strategies.
Seminar held at the NSU Syndicate Hall featured Mitchell Lee chief of mission at the Singapore High Commission in Dhaka as the keynote speaker. Session was chaired by NSU vice chancellor and moderated by treasurer and pro vice chancellor (in-charge).
In his opening remarks dean of SHSS at NSU highlighted the strategic and pragmatic foreign policy Singapore has followed since its independence, inspired by its first foreign minister S. Rajaratnam. He emphasized Singapore’s reliance on economic strength, multilateralism and international law as key pillars of its foreign policy.
Mitchell Lee elaborated on Singapore’s diplomatic strategies, focusing on maintaining global relevance, creating political and economic space which embracing globalization. He also touched on the strengthening of Bangladesh-Singapore bilateral relations including ongoing discussions around a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected in the second half of 2026.
During the interactive Q&A session, NSU faculty and students actively engaged in discussions around small state diplomacy, multilateralism, and the challenges faced by countries like Singapore in an evolving global order.
NSU treasurer underscored the importance of such academic engagements in promoting international cooperation and deeper understanding between nations.
In his closing remarks, NSU vice chancellor praised Singapore’s long-term planning and value-driven governance, calling it a model for small states aspiring to global influence. He stressed that seminars like this play a crucial role in developing critical thinking and global perspectives among university students.
This high-profile event reflects NSU’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and global engagement, particularly in the fields of foreign policy, diplomacy and international relations.
