Category: Literacy

Amid student protests, Farhana Yeasmin Baten, assistant proctor of Rabindra University, has quit three posts over her alleged involvement in trimming the hair of its 16 students as punishment and subsequent ‘suicide attempt’ by one of them.

Farhana quit the three positions of assistant proctor, head of Cultural Heritage and Bangladesh Studies Department and syndicate member—and submitted resignation letters on Tuesday night.

Earlier, the university authorities formed a five-member committee to probe the incident, said treasurer and acting vice-chancellor of the university Abdul Latif.

According to some students of the department, Farhana asked the first-year students of the department to trim their hair. All but 16 students did not comply with her instruction as per the advice.

On Sunday, while they were entering the examination halls to sit for their final exams, the teacher instructed an office assistant to trim the hair of the 16 students and he did it accordingly, the students alleged.

Protesting the incident, the students boycotted the examination held on Monday and it went viral on social media following the student protest.

The students also formed a human chain at the university’s temporary campus-1 in Shahzadpur Mohila Degree College area on Monday, where the assistant proctor showed up and instructed them to wrap up their protests or get failed in the exams.

Unable to bear the humiliation, Nazmul Hasan Tuhin, 25, a student of the department and a resident of Magura district, consumed sleeping pills on Monday in an effort to take his own life.

He was undergoing treatment at Enayetpur Khaza Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital.

However, Farhana denied the allegation and claimed that it is propaganda against her as she did not defer the exam as per the request of a few students.

Contacted, additional treasurer of the university Abdul Latif said they have no idea what the issue is, and there has been no written complaint in this regard.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The government has decided against holding this year’s Junior School Certificate (JSC) and Junior Dakhil Certificate (JDC) examinations, said Education Minister Dipu Moni on Tuesday.

“No JSC, JDC examinations will be held this year and the students will be upgraded to the next class through temporary tests,” she said while speaking at a programme on the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held at Dhaka Mohila Polytechnic Institute in city’s Agargaon.

Referring to SSC and HSC examinations, the minister said “We have taken all-out preparation and I hope the examinations will be held in time as per the schedule.”

She advised the students to devote to gaining knowledge instead of running after GPA-5.

No JSC, JDC exams this year, says Edu Minister

She said the students should prepare themselves for the fourth industrial revolution that has been initiated under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.

“Our prime minister has been working for the development of education,” she said adding that a nationwide tree plantation programme will be held across the country with students’s participation to commemorate PM’s birthday.

Dipu Moni said the government has decided to introduce new curricula in schools and colleges from 2023.

She said the piloting of the revised curricular will start in 2022 and it will be fully introduced by 2025.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

A 20-year-old college student returning home with her uncle died after falling into an open drain in the Agrabad Badamtali area of the port city on Monday night, officials said.

The deceased was identified as Shehrin Mahmud Sadia, a student of Sadarghat Islamia Degree College and a resident of Halishohor in Chattogram city.

Eye-witnesses said Sadia slipped and fell into the roadside drain around 10pm when she and her uncle were returning home after buying a pair of eye glasses from the local market. It was drizzling at the time.

Her uncle immediately jumped into the drain but could not find her, said Double Mooring police sub-inspector Arnab Barua. Newton Das, deputy director of Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence, said that on information, divers rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.

Around 3am on Tuesday, Sadia’s body was found, officials said.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The Dhaka University (DU) authorities today expelled two students for digital fraud and admission through illegal means.

The expelled students are- Md Rakib Hasan of Accounting & Information Systems Department (Session 2017-18) and Ishrak Hossain Rafi of Geology Department (Session 2017-18).

The decision was taken at a meeting of the university’s Disciplinary Committee with VC Professor Akhtaruzzaman in the chair, said a DU press release.

Besides, some 72 students have been given punishment for different terms for adopting unfair means in the exams.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

A 50-year-old headmistress of a school died of Covid-19 in Hathazari of Chattogram Sunday evening, according to a member of the school’s governing council.

Ferdousi Ara, headmaster of Ali Muhammad Government Primary School in Chipatli Union of Hathazari upazila, was buried at Chattagram University Staff Cemetery after janaza last night.

Confirming it, Zia Haider, president of the school’s governing council, said that the teacher was admitted to Chattogram General Hospital on September 21 after contracting Covid and died at the Intensive Care Unit of the facility on September 26.

She was suffering from shortness of breath and high fever during this time.

The school head was on duty before catching the deadly virus since reopening of the educational institution on September 12, according to her co-workers.

Meanwhile, Sahina Akhter, assistant teacher of Hathazari Model Government Primary School, Sanchita Barua, headmistress of Uttar Madarsha Mahluma Government Primary School and Smriti Dutta, assistant teacher of Rashidia Government Primary School all tested positive for Covid-19 and are currently undergoing home quarantine .

Besides, 15 people including the headmaster, teachers and office bearers of Hathazari Model Government Primary School gave their samples at the Upazila Health Complex on Sunday morning as they were in direct contact with the affected persons.

Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahidul Alam said the conditions of the other infected teachers are currently stable apart of one casualty.

“We are running the school following the government instructions. If the situation deteriorates further, a decision will be taken after consulting higher authorities,” he said.

Last Thursday, an eighth-grader, who had been suffering from suspected Covid symptoms of fever, sore throat and shortness of breath, died in Manikganj Sadar.

Identified as Rodela, she died on Wednesday evening on way to Dhaka’s Kurmitola General Hospital.

She was a student of Surendra Kumar (SK) Govt Girls’ High School .

Rodela’s relatives said she had been suffering from fever and sore throat since her first day of school on September 15. She was undergoing treatment under a local doctor who prescribed medicine for sore throat.

She was rushed to Munnu Medical College and Hospital in Manikganj on Wednesday afternoon after she complained of shortness of breath. She was being brought to Kurmitola General Hospital in Dhaka as her condition deteriorated, but unfortunately could not make it.

Meanwhile, another student of class X of the same school has tested positive for covid-19.

The two incidents have sparked concern among the guardians.

Also, five students of classes IV and V have tested positive for Covid at a primary school in Thakurgaon sadar upazila on September 24.

This has prompted the authorities to suspend all classes of IV and V grades at Bahadurpara Government Primary School in Thakurgaon sadar upazila.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) Prof Dr Kazi Shahidullah on Monday said if the laws are abused for personal interest in the universities, those responsible would face the music.

“The laws can’t be abused for personal interest in the universities. They (the authorities) can’t bow down to any pressure at any level. In case of misuse of law, action would be taken against the guilty following the investigation,” he said.

Dr Shahidullah said this while addressing the inaugural session of a two-day workshop titled “Budget Preparation and Implementation in Public Universities” at the UGC.

He said manpower recruitment beyond organogram as well as temporary, master roll, ad-hoc, contract and daily wage-based jobs will have to be stopped in the public universities. Sitting allowance can’t be given going beyond the rules. If salary and allowance are given against any posts going beyond the rules, the universities will have to pay back the money, he warned.

Action to be taken against misuse of laws in universities: UGC chairman

The UGC chairman urged the authorities to run the university following the existing laws, rules and regulations of the government and UGC.

He called upon the Vice-Chancellors to create an environment in which the registrar, director and controller of finance and accounts of the university could work independently.

Dr Shahidullah said the financial discipline is not being followed properly in some universities of the country.

In this regard, he suggested the universities for spending money as per the guidelines of the government and UGC to overcome this problem.

The UGC chief said work is underway to formulate a uniform financial policy to ensure financial discipline in the universities. “A proper financial disciple is essential to run any public university or institution smoothly. Because, the success of any organisation depends on financial discipline, “he said.

UGC member Prof Abu Taher presided over the function, while its other members Prof Sazzad Hossain, Prof Muhammed Alamgir, Prof Biswajit Chand and secretary (additional in-charge) Dr Ferdous Zaman addressed it.

Heads of finance and accounts sections from five public universities took part in this workshop, said a release.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The much-awaited Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and their equivalent examinations will begin on November 14 and December 2 respectively, maintaining health protocols.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education unveiled the schedules for the two public examinations on Monday.

This year, the two public examinations could not be held as per schedules due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the government decided to hold the examinations with shortened syllabuses.

The examinations will be held with short syllabuses on three elective subjects on group basis, and 24 assignments will be given for SSC students while 30 assignments for HSC students before the examinations, Education Minister Dipu Moni said in July.

No assignment will be given on Bangla, English and other compulsory subjects and the 4th subjects, she said.

According to the exam schedules, the SSC and its equivalent examinations will end on November 23 while that of HSC on December 30.

Earlier on July 15, Education Minister Dipu Moni hinted that the SSC, HSC and their equivalent examinations will be held either in the second week of November or the first week of December this year maintaining health guidelines if the Covid-19 situation improves in Bangladesh.

Educational institutions across the country had remained shut since March last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the closure was extended several times.

Finally, the government reopened the schools and colleges on September 13 following a marked improvement in the Covid-19 situation.

Last year’s HSC examinees were evaluated on the basis of their results of JSC and SSC exams, a decision which received a mixed reaction.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The Dhaka University on Sunday reopened its library after about an 18-month Covid-induced closure amid a heavy rush of students, some of them trying to force their entry defying health guidelines and causing short-lived agitation.

Tension erupted after assistant proctor Liton Kumar Saha allegedly attempted to slap a student who tried to enter the science library building forcefully, witnesses said.

Angered by Liton’s behaviour students mobbed him demanding an explanation from him. The students also harassed two campus reporters and forced them to delete the photos and videos they shot.

The library opened only for honours fourth year and masters students, according to university authorities. The residential halls will open on October 5.

The earlier instruction for the students to carry their Covid-19 vaccination certificates could not be followed because of the chaos, on-duty teachers said.

Source: United Nations of Bangladesh

The ‘D’ unit intake test for the first year honours’ courses under 2020-21 academic session of Theology and Islamic Studies faculty of Islamic University will be held on the campus in Kushtia on November 2.

The admission tests of the university’s other faculties, will be held under unified entry test system. The decision was made at an emergency meeting of IU central admission test committee with its vice-chancellor Professor Shaikh Abdus Salam in the chair.

A press release, signed by IU acting registrar M Ataur Rahman, was issued in this regard Sunday noon.

The admission test will be held separately as there is no such subjects in other public universities, IU acting registrar said.

The regular classes and examinations of all departments will remain closed during the admission test, he added.

The uniform admission tests of 20 public universities will be held from October 17 to 24 across the country.

On January 23, 2020, the University Grants Commission decided to introduce a uniform entry test for all public universities across the country from the academic year 2020-21, aiming at reducing the sufferings of the admission-seekers and their guardians.

The universities that are taking centralised admission tests are Islamic University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Khulna University, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Jagannath University, Comilla University, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Jessore University of Science and Technology, Begum Rokeya University Rangpur, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Barisal University and Patuakhali Science and Technology University.

Source: United Nations of Bangladesh

English is the international language. Millions of people around the world are trying to learn this language for diverse purposes, like communication, occupation, higher studies, career improvement, etc. The English language is one of the most robust languages out there. It is enriched with tons of words to learn and use. Whether someone is a student, a journalist, or even a poet, having strong knowledge of English vocabulary will help him/her to excel in the application of the English language in real life. The benefits seem to be endless and there are a good many ways to improve the vocabulary. Let’s look at some of them.

What are the benefits of learning English vocabulary

The most obvious importance of learning vocabulary is to achieve better fluency in writing and speaking. A vocabulary is basically an assortment of words that are used regularly. These are words that a person reverts to over and over again. So naturally, having a strong vocabulary enhances the colloquial range that allows a person to describe something in a better way through both writing and speaking.

Furthermore, the application of diverse vocabulary brings better poise in sentences. And, the versatility of words helps the writer or speaker to avoid the repetitive nature. Every writer aims to achieve a specific skill known as “painting with words”. It is just a fancy way of saying someone who can write meaningful and deep lines.

The meaning of a specific word may vary depending on its application and context. As a person keeps learning vocabulary, the ultimate test comes in the form of using the words correctly. When the learner has precise knowledge about the different forms – such as verb, adverb, adjective, noun, etc., – of a specific word, s/he will be able to use the word in a correct way.

Combining the learning and application, a person can stand out from the rest with their English skills.

Ways to improve English vocabulary

Get into the reading habit

The best way to learn new words is through reading. The more a person reads, the more s/he will encounter new words which will enrich the vocabulary. Finding an uncommon or interesting word in a newspaper or novel can be far more engaging than reading a list of vocabulary. Simple memorization will eventually become boring for long-term learning. Compared to that, reading books, newspapers, journals, etc is not only enjoyable but learning becomes a passive process too. Try to incorporate meaning as well as contextual learning for the best outcome.

Use dictionary and thesaurus

Gone are the days of having to carry huge dictionaries and thesaurus to learn vocabulary. Nowadays it is possible to access any dictionary and thesaurus through the internet with a few taps. Dictionaries and thesaurus are not meant to be the primary vocab learning source. Rather they are designed to complement and brush up on the learning process. They are also a great source of learning root words, antonym synonyms, and applications. This will help to increase the vocabulary further.

Playing word games

Almost every English daily of Bangladesh has a crossword puzzle in their entertainment section. In addition to that, playing word games like Scrabble and Boogle will help to make the vocabulary learning process a fun one.

People of any age can try to solve the newspaper crosswords and check for the solution the next day. This is a fun way to learn new words. Thus, learners can stay motivated to expand their vocabulary and take it as a challenge.

Using Flashcards

Flashcards are a great way to initiate learning on the go. With digitization, there is no need for traditional flashcards. Several apps do a great job of flashcards. The eager learners can easily download one of these free apps and start learning vocabulary on the go. It is better to take things slowly at first and take in a few words every day. This will help the learners to ensure sustained learning.

Make the habit of application

There is no point in learning without practical application. And the best way to apply new vocabulary is through conversation and writing. With more and more application scenarios, a person will develop better confidence and the hesitancy surrounding the language application will be gone. Granted there will be mistakes at first, but trial and error will better consolidate the outcome and ultimately bring perfection.

Make notes

Another great way of learning vocabulary is by maintaining a journal. While reading or conversing, there are chances of coming across new words. Make a note of them in a journal. Review these new words regularly and cross-check their usage with thesaurus or dictionary. Jotting down words will better ingrain the words in the learner’s mind.

There are lots of websites and apps that allow the users to create and maintain diaries, or blogs, free of cost. Anyone can maintain a virtual diary of the newly learned vocabulary.

Watch people

Watching people talk is another great way to learn new words. Every person has a different style of speaking combined with colloquial tones. This makes for a great way to learn vocabulary as different people use different words and expressions to describe a similar thing. Watching people speak is a good passive way of understanding the expressive nature of a word and use it similarly.

Youtube is an endless source of English learning resources. Besides attaining the free vocabulary learning classes on YouTube, the learners’ can watch dramas, movies, and web series with subtitles to learn new words. Those who live in an English-speaking country should start talking to native speakers. In addition to that, learners can make small groups for practicing vocabulary through speaking English.

Visualize the words

Another fun but effective way to learn vocabulary is to attach an image to the new words. The human brain can perceive images better than numbers and texts. So rather than just memorizing a bunch of words, it is better to learn through visual aids. It is already mentioned that learning vocabulary is a heavily application-dependent process. The visual aids will help to apply the words in a similar situation which in turn will help to better hone the learning.

Keep Testing the Learning

As much as the application of the new vocabs is important, it is also important to use them correctly. As a result, always test the learnings to determine the lacking or any mistake. This will not only help the learning to keep in check but also assure the correct use of the words.

Free Resources to Learn English

Below are some of the best sites to increase and practice English vocabulary. All of these resources are completely free to use and some of them even come with additional English skills development resources. Check them out.

Thought CO

ESL Fast

Exam English

English Interactive

Rosetta Stone

Vocabulix

Using English

Source: United News of Bangladesh

A primary school teacher and her son, a student of class five, have been infected with Covid-19.

Salma Yasmin, teacher of Narail South East Government Primary School was infected with Covid-19 on September 14 and her son Tahmid Ahmed got infected last Thursday.

Both of them are staying at home in isolation and are in good condition, said the school authority.

Both of them went into isolation as soon as Salma came out positive and avoided coming to school, said principal of the school Nur Jahan.

“None of the other teachers or students contracted the virus after them. We are conducting the classes according to the government health rules after informing the higher health authorities,” she said.

Meanwhile, District Civil Surgeon Dr Nasima Aktar said they were not informed of any teachers or students being infected with Covid-19 after reopening of schools on September 12.

Necessary arrangements will be made after collecting the information, said the Civil Surgeon.

Source: United News of Bangladesh

The Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition was opened for public viewing at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday.

The exhibition celebrates in a uniquely thematic way, the life and legacy of the Fathers of each of the two Nations, Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, State Minister for Culture K.M Khalid and High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Vikram Doraiswami joined opened the digital exhibition.

Md. Abul Monsur, Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Liaqat Ali Lucky, DG, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy were also present.

The exhibition hosted by the High Commission of India in association with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangladesh and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will remain open in Dhaka from September 26 to October 11.

After 11 October 2021, the exhibition will also be displayed at Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna and Kolkata.

The exhibition was specially curated by the two Governments to commemorate Mujib Borsho and to mark 150 years of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, as well as the golden jubilee of India-Bangladesh bilateral relations.

The exhibition was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on December 16, 2020 during the India-Bangladesh Virtual Summit.

During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh in March 2021, the two leaders visited and appreciated the digital exhibition at a special display arranged at Bangabandhu International Conference Center, Dhaka.

This unique digital exhibition, specially curated by Birad Yagnik, Curator of Mahatma Gandhi Digital Museums was also displayed at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi from December 16; 2020 to January 31, 2021 where it was well-received.

Source: United News of Bangladesh