Posted on by

Wellesley College, USA Assistant Professor Lectures at Independent University, Bangladesh

Assistant Professor Dr. Lamiya Ashraf Mowla from Wellesley College, USA presented groundbreaking research at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) during the 2nd Colloquium organized by the Center for Astronomy, Space Science, and Astrophysics (CASSA) on December 19, 2024. The research published in Nature magazine revealed the discovery of a 13.2-billion-year-old galaxy through images and spectra captured by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This marks a significant milestone for IUB as it is the first scientific paper authored by a CASSA-affiliated member, bringing added recognition to the institution.

Dr. Mowla discussed the Cosmic Calendar – explaining how studying galaxies through light offers a glimpse into the past and the importance of high-resolution telescopes like JWST in observing distant galaxies to uncover their formation processes. She also revisited her 2022 discovery of the Galaxy “Sparkler,” 9 billion light-years away which revealed “sparkles” nearby, some forming just 700 million years after the Big Bang.

Dr. Mowla also discussed the “Firefly Sparkle,” discovered as part of the Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey (CANUCS), found at just 600 million years post-Big Bang. Through Webb’s advanced instruments, she analyzed the galaxies’ spectra, identifying chemical elements and calculating redshift values, indicating their distances. The team’s analysis of the Initial Mass Function (IMF) also offered new perspectives, suggesting steeper slopes than established models.

Posted on by

Brac University School of Architecture and Design Collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh

On December 12, 2024, two students from the School of Architecture and Design at Brac University Raima Rahman and Raisa Rahman proudly represented their institution at the prestigious Bengal Stream event held at Bengal Shilpalay.

Organized by the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes, and Settlements in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh the transnational event brought together architecture enthusiasts and professionals from across the globe.

The event showcased ‘The Vibrant Architecture Scene of Bangladesh’ an ongoing exhibition curated by the renowned Swiss architect Niklaus Graber. Alongside the exhibition a book of the same title was launched, celebrating Bangladesh’s dynamic architectural landscape and marking a milestone for architectural professionals and enthusiasts alike.

A major highlight was the on-stage panel discussion featuring distinguished panelists, including Ar. Saif Ul Haque, Niklaus Graber—co-founder of Graber & Steiger Architects—and student representatives from four leading universities in Bangladesh. Representing Brac University, Raima Rahman and Raisa Rahman joined the discussion, which delved into topics such as the importance of reading in architecture, architectural education, design philosophies, and cross-cultural perspectives.

The dialogue fostered insightful exchanges between seasoned professionals and emerging voices, creating an atmosphere of inspiration, learning, and collaboration.

This participation by Brac University students at such a landmark event underscores the institution’s commitment to nurturing future architects and promoting their engagement with the global architectural community.

Posted on by

North South University and STEMX365 Collaborate on Space Education

North South University (NSU) and STEMX365 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on space education and research. MoU was signed by North South University vice chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and STEMX365 founder Mizanul Chowdhury. STEMX365 founded by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) space scientist Mizanul Chowdhury is a non-profit organization that provides free space science and technology education for Bangladeshi youth through an agreement with Japan’s JAXA.

STEMX365 works in collaboration with MIT’s Zero Robotics Lab, allowing talented young people to learn programming, space, robot building and participate in international competitions. In 2021, Bangladesh won second place in the international Kibo Robotics Programming Competition under STEMX365’s supervision. MoU aims to support NSU students in space education and research.

Posted on by

Brac University Hosts Conference of the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists

38th Annual International Conference of the Bangladesh Society of Microbiologists (BSM) was held at Brac University on December 28-29, 2024. Event attracted over 600 participants from 53 Bangladeshi institutions and 10 international ones, including scientists, researchers, academics, veterinarians, clinicians and students.

Conference featured 15 sessions and 11 panel discussions, focusing on advancements in microbiology and related fields. Inaugural ceremony was attended by Professor M. Aminul Islam special assistant at the Ministry of Education and other speakers. Conference’s importance in advancing microbiology in Bangladesh was highlighted, with Professor M. Aminul Islam emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovation in tackling global health challenges. Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to Professor Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Science for his outstanding contributions to microbiology.

Posted on by

University of Asia Pacific Discusses COP29

University of Asia Pacific (UAP) Discusses COP29 Expectations, Realities and Future Learning

  • 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan was attended by heads of state, scientists, policymakers, businesspeople, and entrepreneurs of Bangladesh.
  • University of Asia Pacific (UAP) organized a discussion on the expectations, realities and future learnings of the conference.
  • Event was chaired by M. A. Baki Khalili dean of the School of Business at UAP.
  • Ainun Nishat professor emeritus Brac University and Qumrul Ahsan vice chancellor UAP were present as special guests.
  • Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan came up with the observation while addressing a roundtable titled “COP29: Expectations, Reality and Lessons for the Future” as the chief guest at University of Asia Pacific (UAP) in Dhaka.
  • Panel discussion was attended by various experts including Professor Dr. Mohammad Shariful Islam, Shawkat Ali Mirza and others.
  • Speakers highlighted the slow progress of financial negotiations at COP29 and the need for $1 trillion yearly from poor countries to address the climate crisis.
Posted on by

Department of Civil Engineering at United International University Held a Seminar on Biomechanics of Mental Health

The Department of Civil Engineering at United International University (UIU) held a seminar on “Biomechanics of Mental Health” on December 24, 2024. The keynote speaker was Prof. Dr. Md. Taher Abu Saif from the University of Illinois, USA.

Event was presided over by UIU Professor Emeritus M. Rezwan Khan and other distinguished guests included Hasan Sarwar dean of the School of Science and Engineering at UIU and Md Mujibur Rahman Department of Civil Engineering and director CSIRS-UIU. Dr. Taher shared his research experience in the US and expressed optimism about establishing a microelectronics lab for higher research in Bangladesh. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining brain cell functionality even after age 65 through proper exercise, walking, and hard work.

Event was attended by UIU faculty members, students, officials, academicians, government high officials, researchers, journalists and other distinguished guests.

Posted on by

East West University’s Faculty of Business and Economics Accredited

East West University’s Faculty of Business and Economics has been granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools Programs (ACBSP) without any conditions. This prestigious recognition, approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), demonstrates EWU’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in business education. The accreditation benefits students, study programs, and faculty by gaining international recognition, allowing degrees and diplomas to be widely accepted globally.

It also provides greater marketability for students, giving them a competitive advantage in the hiring process and higher studies abroad. Vice chancellor Shams Rahman expressed excitement about the achievement, stating that it validates EWU’s efforts to provide quality business education that meets international standards.

Posted on by

East West University’s Public Lecture on ‘World Trade and Bangladesh’ with Morgan State University Former Professor

East West University (EWU) hosted a public lecture on ‘World Trade and Bangladesh’ on 17 December 2024. Addressing the lecture, renowned economist and former professor at Morgan State University in the US, MG Quibria, emphasized the need for Bangladesh to diversify its export markets beyond Europe and the USA, focusing on neighboring countries like China and India.

He highlighted the importance of investing in health and education to develop skilled human resources and urged the government to address critical issues like oil, gas, and electricity shortages.

Quibria said increased trade restrictions are leading to disrupted supply chains and fragmentation of global trade into US-leaning and China-leaning blocs.

An analysis by the International Monetary Fund suggests that global economies have virtually become separated into three blocs: the west-leaning bloc, the China-leaning bloc, and a tiny non-aligned bloc.

Pointing to how trade between two of these major blocs has fallen significantly, he said the non-aligned countries like Mexico and Vietnam, which are also called “connector countries,” have stabilized global trade from falling precipitously.

“These developments may create a very vulnerable position for a small, trade-dependent country like Bangladesh, which has very little say in international discourse,” he said.

“All the discussions are taking place between feuding parties outside the UN or WTO,” Quibria added.

Shams Rahman, vice chancellor of EWU, also spoke at the lecture.

Posted on by

Brac University Collaboration with Simon Fraser University

The Department of English and Humanities at Brac University in Bangladesh recently hosted the “Small File Media Festival Bangladesh,” featuring 11 eco-friendly short films that address environmental issues with minimal carbon footprints. Festival was an international collaboration with the Small File Media Festival of the School for the Contemporary Arts at Simon Fraser University in Canada.

Event featured films created by Brac University students through workshops held from October to December this year. The festival raises awareness about the environmental impact of streaming media, which contributes 1% of greenhouse gas emissions. Event was attended by Dr. Susan Vize UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh as chief guest and media scholar Oliur Rahman Sun and climate advocate Sohanur Rahman as special guests.

Firdous Azim chairperson of the Department of English and Humanities at Brac University praised the initiative for raising awareness of the environmental impact of media consumption through innovative, sustainable filmmaking practices. Laura Marks founder of Small File Media Festival and professor at Simon Fraser University shared a recorded message highlighting the festival’s mission to inspire low-carbon, aesthetically innovative films. The 11 short films included “Harmony of Heart and Hustle,” “Abdullah,” “Wild and Free,” “Elysium,” “The Veil of Corrosion,” “Last Hour,” “Living with Nature,” “Wondering Wandering,” “Lost Playgrounds,” “Pollution Production,” and “Pain.”

Posted on by

The Department of Law at North South University Seminar on International Criminal Court

North South University held a seminar titled ‘The International Criminal Court: Building a More Just World’ on December 24, 2024, aimed at providing students with a deeper understanding of international criminal law and the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in upholding justice.

Keynote speaker Farhan Ahmed Associate Legal Officer at the Chambers of the International Criminal Court discussed the structure, procedural mechanisms and enforcement of rulings by the ICC. Event was graced by Md. Rizwanul Islam dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Ishtiaque Ahmed chairman of the Department of Law, NSU. Faculty members and students also participated in the seminar. Seminar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants gained deeper insights into the operations of the ICC. Professor Md. Rizwanul Islam expressed gratitude to Ahmed and presented him with a crest.