IUBAT celebrates silver jubilee

Established in 1991, IUBAT — International University of Business Agriculture and Technology has begun its yearlong celebration of its silver jubilee through milad mahfil and anniversary cakes. The theme of the yearlong silver jubilee celebration is "Higher Education for Every Qualified Person with Finance for Meritorious but Needy".

As a part of the celebration, the Academic Retreat for all faculty and members of the BOG was organised at Seagull Hotel in Cox's Bazar. The theme of the retreat was "Preparing Graduates for Identified Career Paths". Presided over by the Founder and VC Prof. Dr M Alimullah Miyan, taskforces of programmes made presentations on the academic and professional career paths for students. Each presentation was followed by open floor discussion while faculty members of the other programs provided feedback to make the career paths complete and comprehensive. 

Following the formal part, all faculty and members and BOG enjoyed touristic visits to Saint Martin and Chheradweep Islands and stayed overnight at the former. During the overnight stay in Saint Martin, a cultural programme was organised where faculty members as well as members of the board performed to dances and songs. The cultural programme was followed by a barbecue. This 5-day academic retreat was enjoyed by all participants and they have come back to the university campus with the pledge of utilising the knowledge and experiences earned in teaching and have began delivering education.

EU launches course on Asian Community: Economy and Culture 

Eastern University, in collaboration with One Asia Foundation, Japan has launched a course titled "Asian Community: Economy and Culture". The course aims at developing an understanding among the participants about the importance of forming an Asian Community like the European Union. The course is being funded by the One Asia Foundation, Japan.

The course will offer an opportunity for all participants to gain a better appreciation of the similarities of various Asian cultures, our common objectives of growth and developing better ties with each other. With an enhanced mutual understanding of the practices, desires and prospects of the cultures, this course will pave the way for continuous growth of Asia, peace, pride in our heritage, and maximise the potential of Asia in general. The course is open for undergraduate students of all universities, government and NGO officials.

The inaugural session of the course with meeting was held on January 25, 2016 at the Seminar Hall of Eastern University. Prof. Masafumi Sato, Visiting Professor, Kaetsu University, Japan inaugurated the session in presence of Abul Khair Chowdhury, Chairman, BOT, EU; Prof. Dr. Abdur Rab, VC, EU; Prof. Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Pro-VC, EU; the Treasurer; Prof. Dr. A.K.M Moazzem Hussain, Guest Teacher of this course; Deans and Advisors of Faculties, Chairpersons of Departments, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Directors, Deputy Directors, Teachers, Officials and first batch students of the course.

The course will take 15 weeks and is expected to conclude in April 2016. It is also expected that Japanese business tycoon and President of One Asia Foundation, Yoji Sato, will address the students and dignitaries in the concluding day of the course.

BRACU hosts professors from UC Berkeley

Three distinguished academics, all experts in their own subject areas spent 4-5 days with BRACU senior faculty, researchers and graduate students to explore faculty and student exchanges and areas of collaborative research. The emphasis of this important visit funded by the Chowdhury Center of the South Asian institute of UC Berkeley was placed on the need for joint research initiatives leading to joint publications. 

Prof. Lawrence Cohen, Professor of Anthropology and Chair of India Studies, UC Berkeley ran a very engaging workshop programme on "Rethinking Medical Anthropology and its Methodology" hosted by the JPG School of Public Health. Raka Ray, Professor of Sociology at Berkeley is an expert on gender and feminist theory, inequality and emerging middle classes. Her substantive workshop was conducted under the heading "Searching for the middle-classes". Prof. Poulomi Saha, Assistant Professor of English at Berkeley conducted a workshop on "Theory of Methodology" in which she looked at the application of critical theory to disciplines like English and Anthropology that are engaged in analysing culture through texts. 

Prof. Syed Saad Andaleeb, VC of BRACU was present. Kumar Murshid, Director of International Programs at BRACU said, "I was impressed by the devotion of the visiting scholars from UC Berkeley to their craft and to the South Asia region. This visit will lay the foundation for robust collaborations and exchanges through which both institutions will gain in the future."

Grand opening ceremony of NUBTK

The inauguration of Northern University of Business and Technology Khulna (NUBTK) took place on January 9, 2016 with a colorful programme. Dr. Moshiur Rahman, Financial Advisor of Prime Minister was present as chief guest. In his speech Dr. Rahman mentioned that without an educated nation and skilled manpower we cannot be a developed nation. The university will contribute to higher education through highly qualified teachers, research opportunities and the use of information technology. He also appreciates the six faculties with which the university begins. He expressed his desire that after the completion of their study the students will participate in nation building activities.

The program was chaired by Prof. Dr. Abu Yusuf Mohammad Abdullah, Vice Chairman, NUBTK. Narayan Chandra, MP; Alhaj Md Mijanur Rahman, MP; Sheikh Nurul Huq, MP; Panchanan Biswas, MP; the Commissioner of Khulna Division, Md. Abdus Samad; DC of Khulna district, Sheikh Harunur Rashid; and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Khulna, Nibash Chandra Majhi spoke on the occasion.

Ansar Ali, Chairman, NUBTK, said in his speech that the university started its journey to meet the challenge of the 21st century. In his welcoming speech, the VC of NUBTK, Prof. Dr. Anwarul Karim (designate) said that the university will be a modern and specialised university that will uphold the history, culture and tradition of the area. 

9th ULAB Fair Play Cup Cricket Tournament 2016 sets off

The 9th ULAB Fair Play Cup Cricket Tournament started January 24, 2016 and will end on February 9, 2016. Media Committee Chairman of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Jalal Younus officially inaugurated the biggest inter private university cricket tournament. University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) won their first match against East West University (EWU) by 47 runs. 

This year, 12 renowned private universities are participating in the tournament, including North South University, BRAC University, Independent University Bangladesh, East West University, Eastern University, Southeast University, United International University, State University of Bangladesh, Green University of Bangladesh, Daffodil International University, European University of Bangladesh, and University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. The tournament has already gained widespread popularity as the only cricket tournament for private universities in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will provide technical support to the organizers for smooth execution of the tournament.

The objective of the ULAB Fair Play Cup is to establish good relations among private universities and to create an atmosphere of enjoyment and fairness in competition. A total of twenty T20 matches will be held in the tournament. After 12 matches, the best eight teams will fight it out in the Super 8 round to reach the semifinals. Two winning teams from the semifinals played on February 6 and 7 will play for the trophy in the final on February 9, 2016. This year, the champion team will receive BDT 40,000 and will earn the opportunity to participate in the Red Bull Campus Cricket World Final Tournament. 

For online update and live score please visit the following website: http://cricket.ulab.edu.bd