BULLETIN BOARD
EWU observes 20th Founding Anniversary
East West University has observed its 20th Founding Anniversary on November 20, 2015 at its campus in Aftabnagar, Dhaka. Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson, BOT; M. A. Mumin; Dr. Saidur Rahman Lasker; Nowshad Shamsul Arefin, Member, BOT, EWU and Prof. M.M. Shahidul Hassan, VC, EWU inaugurated the programme.
The Foundation Day's programme showcased a national children's art competition on the theme "Sonar Bangla". More than 800 students from various schools participated where. Three eminent artists of the country Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Shameem Subrana and Samina Nafies judged the works.
An opinion exchange programme with student guardians was also held where around 200 guardians participated. The programme ended with a cultural event. Noted singer Fakir Alamgir and Roquaiya Hasina Neely performed on the occasion. Around 1500 students and faculty members and staff of the university enjoyed the function.
Seminar on World Diabetes Day 2015 at AIUB
Department of Public Health of the American International University Bangladesh organised a seminar on "Diabetes and Dietary Habit" at the AIUB Auditorium on November 14, 2015. The programme was addressed by the Pro-VC of AIUB Prof. Dr. Charles Villanueva and chaired by Prof. Dr. Tazul Islam, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences. Chief guest was Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Abdul Majid Bhuiyan, Director (Hospital), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
The special attractions of the seminar were the seminar speakers Akhtarun Nahar (Nutritionist, BIRDEM) who spoke in diabetes and dietary habits and Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim (Diabetic Specialist and Epidemiologist) who spoke on prevention of type 2 diabetes. The event is expected to contribute a lot in creating awareness among the diabetic patients as well as spreading consciousness among others.
ULAB and AUW sign MoU
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and the Asian University for Women (AUW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for academic and research exchange between the two leading liberal arts institutions of the region. The MoU covers joint research collaboration, exchange of educational and research staff and students, as well as exchange of publication, academic materials and others information.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Imran Rahman, VC, ULAB and Prof. John W. Schroeder, Dean of the Faculty, AUW. Dr. Shahana Afrose Chowdhury, Associate Professor cum Researcher, Basundhara Tripathy, Visiting Researcher cum Assistant Professor of ULAB, Tasneem Abedin, Director of HR and Registrar, and Sarmad Hasan, Chief Financial Officer of AUW, witnessed the signing ceremony.
ULAB and AUW have capabilities and expertise in conducting programmes and activities of interest and potential benefit to each other.
Bt Brinjal: Beyond Boundaries
MD. ARIF HOSSAIN
There are almost 8 million brinjal farmers in the country, fulfilling the demand of about 160 million people. Resource limitation, high production cost, climate change, pest attack, and diseases are some challenges faced by brinjal farmers in Bangladesh.
To protect their brinjal, farmers are compelled to spray pesticide for 80-100 times in a single cropping season. Almost half of eggplant production cost goes to pesticides, and more than 47% farmers misuse the pesticide; this can adversely affect the soil, water, environment and biodiversity. Moreover, about 87% of farmers do not use protective measures while spraying pesticide in the field.
There was no potential solution until Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) developed
"Bt brinjal" varieties. Bangladesh took a historic step on October 30, 2013 by releasing four genetically engineered eggplant varieties [BARI Bt brinjal 1 to 4] for commercial cultivation after its long-term research since 2005.
Twenty farmers initially received seedlings from BARI in 2014, cultivating the country's first GM crop. Farmers were able to grow brinjal without spraying pesticide for FSB (Fruit and Shoot Borer insect). The result became more evident in 2015 when 108 farmers received seedlings from BARI and grew Bt brinjal. Farmers and consumers alike are welcoming this new crop, which is good for health, the environment, and is cost effective.
Bt brinjal proved to be a success in Bangladesh, which is paving a comfortable path for other GM crop research and commercialisation in the country.
The writer is Lead, Bangladesh Alliance for Science and Visiting Fellow at Cornell University, New York. Find him at [email protected] and @arifromel on Twitter.
BUMA organises "Corporate Maven"
BRAC University Marketing Association (BUMA) organised the first intra university case competition, titled "Corporate Maven" in BRAC University. Thirty-two teams registered for the preliminary round, among them 10 made it to the semi finals. After a rigorous observation, judges selected the top 5 teams for the final round. The Grand Finale was held on the November 12 at BRAC University Auditorium. After a riveting battle, "Team Vanilla" won the first prize worth Tk. 15000. Team "Gen Y Marketeers" became first runners-up and got Tk. 10000 as prize money and Team "Marvels" secured the second runners-up position with prize money of Tk. 5000. Prof. Rahim B. Talukdar, Dean of BRAC Business School was present as the special guest. The finale judge panel included Mohammad Rezaur Razzak, Associate Professor, BRAC Business School; Tahsan Rahman Khan, Senior Lecturer, BRAC Business School; A.S.M Shakil, Commercial Director, DHL and Solaiman Alam, Marketing Director, Banglalink. BUMA's adviser Ummul Wara Adrita, Lecturer, BRAC Business school concluded the event with the closing speech. The event was sponsored by BRAC Bank Ltd. The Daily Star was its strategic partner.
Reception of Prof. Alex Berland at IUBAT
College of Nursing (CON) of the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology organised a grand reception for Prof. Alex Berland, Adjunct Faculty, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia on November 16, 2015 at IUBAT Conference Hall.
Prof. Dr. ASA Masud, Coordinator of College of Nursing welcomed Professor Berland and mentioned his long standing relationship and contribution to IUBAT for the development of College of Nursing.
Professor Berland, in his speech also emphasised on the importance of strengthening of nursing education to keep up with global challenges in the healthcare profession in the country. He also acknowledged the contribution of IUBAT for giving the opportunity to the students with resources and quality education. He also wished the graduates of College of Nursing to continue shining for the development of nursing profession in the country.
President of reception, VC Prof. Dr. M Alimullah Miyan appreciated and thanked Professor Berland for all his contributions and expressed IUBAT's vision for continuing the pace of development of nursing profession in today's fast pacing changes in technology in the global environment. He alsio wished for continued cooperation of University of British Columbia with IUBAT for strengthening nursing education for overall development of health sector, upholding the international standard.
Students and alumni of College of Nursing also shared their memories of learning and teaching with Professor Berland at different levels. All distinguished Chairs, Directors, Coordinators, Faculties, staff of different colleges and departments of IUBAT, academics and professionals from outside attended the reception.
High achievers awarded at Academia
Academia honoured its high achievers at its campus on September 29, 2015. The Director of Examination, British Council, Deep Adhikari and the Country Manager for Edexcel, Saidur Rahman were the chief guest and special guest respectively. The Director of Academia, the Chairperson, Principal and Vice Principal were also present. It was a felicitous event for the students and teachers. Over 100 students were awarded certificates and crests.
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