Category: Dhaka

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.