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NSU Debate Club organizes 4th Inter University Debate Championship 2007

Saeed Hasnat

4th Inter University Debate Championship 2007, recognized as one of the grand slams in the Bangladeshi debating arena, was successfully organized by NSU Debate Club from 8th to 12th June 2007. The Inter University Debate Championship, more commonly known as IUDC, is one of the major yearly events of NSU Debating Club, and they have successfully held it once again. Teams from reputed institutes took part in this huge event to test their mettle against the best debaters of Bangladesh and to uphold the honor and prestige of their university. It's a battle of minds and will where the only weapon is logic. Both Bangla and English debates were held this year at NSU. After weeks of hard work, planning, lots of running to and fro from the NSU Debate Club members, the tournament kicked off on 8th June in the NSU campus.

The tournament followed the All Asians format, which is a very popular debating format nowadays. The institutes participating in this year's tournament were Dhaka University, Stamford University, BUET, IBA, GOD, Jahangirnagar University, East West University, BRAC University, United International University and the hosts, North South University. On the second day, the Bangla debates were held. Out of the 16 teams in the first round, the 8 winners moved on to the second round. The teams that reached the semi finals eventually are Dhaka University, BUET Nandonik, BUET Dandik and East West University.

After an intense semi final round, both teams from BUET moved on to the finals, where BUET Nandonik won the crown for the Bangla Debate championship. The next day, 10th June, saw 16 teams face off against each other for the title of the English Debate Championship. On that day the debate continued to the semi finals, where IBA faced off against Dhaka University Debating Society, and NSU against BUET. With all teams determined to win, it was a tough battle, and in the end Dhaka University and NSU triumphed to face off each other in the finals. The finals were held on 12th June, in the NSU auditorium. It was presided by renowned judges like Dr. Abdun Nur Tushar, Mr. Chowdhury Qased Abdullah, Mr. Hasan Mahmud, Mr. Fahad Karim and Mr. Tahsin Ud Din Ahmed . The NSU team won the crown unanimously, once again proving their supremacy and dominance in the English Debates. After the debate, a gala dinner was held at EFES, where all the participating teams and judges were present. Also, the new Executive Body of NSU Debating Club was declared there. NSU Debate Club would like to thank all its current and past members for their immense contribution and support, for without them this tournament would never have been possible.

Three-day debate workshop held in Mymensingh
Aminul Islam

A three-day national level workshop organised by Mymensingh Debate Federation on debate concluded on June 16. The three-day event also included debate competitions in two groups for the school and college students.

The workshop was inaugurated on June 14 at Zila Parishad auditorium by the Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh Md. Shamsul Alam. The workshop titled " Build a new Bangladesh through logic" was attended by Dr. Abdul Awal, President of Adviser Council of Mymensingh Debate Federation in the chair.

Action Aid Bangladesh, Don Forum, World Vision Bangladesh, Dhaka University Debate Society, Debate Club of Bangladesh University of Science and Technology (BUET) rendered full assistance to organise the workshop. Bhorer Kagaj and Bangla Vision, a private TV channel were the media partners of the workshop.

The inaugural session was also addressed among others by Khoko Chakrabarti of Action Aid and Anwarul Haque Bhuiyan, President of Mymensingh Debate Federation.

Some 400 students from different educational institutions including 26 schools and 16 colleges took part in the workshop.

On the concluding day on June 16, debate competitions for both school and college groups were held at Beg International School. At School school debate Bidhamoyee Govt. Girls' High School was the champion and Bangladesh Agricultural University High School was the runners up. At college level, Govt. Muminunnesa Women's College was the champion while Netrokona Govt. Mohila College secured the second position.

AIUB- APQN International Workshop on Quality Assurance

A two day International workshop on the "Development of Measurements for Higher Education Quality Assurance in Bangladesh" was held at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka. The Workshop was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Professor Nazrul Islam, chairman University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh while Dr. IU Vai Pan, President of AUAP (Association of Universities in the Asia and the Pacific) attended as the special guest. Dr. Carmen Zita Lamagna, Vice-Chancellor of AIUB (American International University-Bangladesh) and organizer of the Workshop delivered the statement of purposes and welcome address.

This International Workshop was organised by the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and supported by Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN) in collaboration of the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), the Association of Universities in Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), and the University Grant Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh. More than 20 foreign participants coming from 15 countries, and about 30 top local Educationist/Vice-Chancellors from Public and Pirvate Universities including the High officials of Ministry of Education, Members of the UGC participated. Five International Standard key-note papers were presented in the Workshop.

The outputs of the Workshop will be a valuable inputs to the government of Bangladesh in finalizing the framework and policies for up-coming Accreditation Council for higher education in Bangladesh.

The journey of Comilla University
Md Badruzzaman Bhuiyan

The first Orientation Programme of Comilla University was held on May 28, 2007 at the University Campus amid great festivity. Professor Dr. Golam Mowlah, founder Vice-Chancellor of Comilla University, presided over the programme. While emphasizing the importance of quality education in a competitive world, the Vice-Chancellor said in his speech "Universities should follow state-of-the -art-curricula so that students can work at the cutting edge of knowledge and technology. He further said, "University has a great role to play for giving shape to new ideas suitable for the country; today's students are the future of the country. The sagacity, prudence and wisdom cannot be acquired without the pursuit of knowledge."

The Vice-Chancellor said that a university offers education of highest standard to equip the students with modern knowledge and technology for increasing the professional skills. Apart from meeting the requirements of standard and professional needs, education will serve the other purposes towards the development of mental faculties and values. That will enable the individuals to understand their responsibility and accountability in society. He further mentioned that the main aim of the students should be to remain engaged in studies and research to acquire knowledge."

(Lecturer, Department of Accounting)

English Writing Center at SUB

Dulal Chandra Mondal

The Department of English of Stamford University, Bangladesh has recently established English Writing Center at both Dhanmondi and Siddeswari Campus. For Dhanmondi campus room no. 410 of D-Block (Keari Plaza) and for Siddeswari campus room no. B-604 have been selected for the centre. Some skilled teachers are giving their efforts here from 8 am to 5 pm for developing the writing skill of students and providing them with practical knowledge of English as well. Initially, it was meant for the students of the Dept. of English, but now it is open for all students of Stamford University, Bangladesh who feel an urge to enhance their competence in English.

(Faculty, Dept. of English, Stamford University, Bangladesh dulalmondalju@yahoo.com)

Orientation at Daffodil International University

Summer 2007 orientation program for Business & Economics Faculty and Science & IT Faculty was held on 18th June (Monday) 2007 at the new auditorium of Daffodil International University (DIU). All the summer 2007 new students were present in the orientation program.

Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Daffodil International presided over the program while Professor Nazrul Islam, chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) graced the occasion as the chief guest. Professor Aminul Islam, vice Chancellor, DIU Professor M. Shahjahan Mina, Pro-Vice Chanceloor, DIU, Professor Dr. Lutfor Rahman, Dean FSIT, DIU, Mr. Mominul Haque Majumder, Registrar (In-Charge) DIU, delivered their speches in the program.

Seminar & Counselling Session by London South Bank University

For the First Time in Bangladesh, London South Bank University shall be hosting One-To-One Counselling session to Students interested to study in the United Kingdom. Mark Wilson; Director International Department of LSBU is scheduled to be in Bangladesh for the purpose. The event is going to be organised by The British Council Bangladesh & Center for Foreign Studies (CFS), a Fast Growing Foreign Education Counselling Firm & LSBU Sole Representative in Bangladesh. The One-To-One session shall be held on the 25th & 28th June 2007 respectively at British Council, Dhaka and British Council, Chittagong. from 11:00 a.m. till 05:00 p.m. Also there shall be a Session on the 26th June 2007 at Center for Foreign Studies (CFS) office at Lalmatia, Dhaka 1207; on the mentioned time.

ISD Celebrates Graduation of first IB Diploma Students

The International School Dhaka (ISD) celebrated the graduation of the 36 members of its first Grade 12 class recently at the Radisson Winter Garden Hotel. The Graduation ceremony featured Dr. T Michael Maybury, the former Executive Director of the Council of International Schools, and advisory member to the ISD Board of Directors as the chief guest. Dr. Maybury spoke of the necessity of having a global world-view and open minded approach to problem solving as a preparation for life in the 21st century. He congratulated the parents and the students for their vision and courage in being the first school in Bangladesh to adopt the IB Diploma curriculum and noted that many of the ISD students have already received offers of places at prestigious universities around the world.

AUB Fresher Reception Ceremony
Evita U. Amin

The Asian University of Bangladesh held their Fresher reception ceremony on the 14th of June, 2007. The program was organized by the English Association of AUB for the new students admitted into the prestigious Department of English. Professor Md. Ataul Haque (Head of the Department of English), Mr. M. A. Afzal (Treasurer), Professor Abdus Samad (Registrar), and Mr. Zakir Hossain (Senior Lecturer, Political Science) attended the function. The new students were heartily welcomed and given important guidelines and encouragement by the guests in their speech.

The second session of the program consisted of a cultural program and fun activities for the students. These included both traditional and modern songs and dances, poetry recitation, jokes and parodies by the students.

(7th Batch, Secretary of Publication, English Association of AUB)