National
PM: Young generation to be key-force in building Smart Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the pivotal role of the country’s young generation in shaping a Smart Bangladesh during her speech at the Bangladesh Startup Summit-2023 held at Hotel InterContinental. As the chief guest, she expressed confidence that the youth would be equipped with the necessary skills to lead the nation’s progress across all sectors. With a vision to transform Bangladesh into a smart country by 2041, the Prime Minister commended the young generation’s innovation and adaptability to implement new ideas.
To prepare for the challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Prime Minister Hasina highlighted her government’s initiatives to develop skilled human resources. These efforts include establishing vocational and technical educational institutions in every upazila and providing training facilities for future professionals. Acknowledging the importance of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things, blockchain, robotics, big data, medical scribes, and cyber security, she stressed the need for skilled professionals in these fields.
Focusing on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, the Prime Minister outlined her government’s target to create five unicorn startups by 2025 and 50 unicorns by 2041. These unicorn startups are expected to generate significant employment opportunities for millions of people, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. She urged both domestic and foreign investors to invest more in startups, assuring them that the government has formulated necessary policies to safeguard their investments.
The event also witnessed the inauguration of the “Smart Bangladesh accelerator,” the “India-Bangladesh Startup Bridge” networking platform, and the “Smart Bangladesh Startup Fund.” These initiatives aim to foster a conducive ecosystem for startups to thrive and contribute to the country’s growth. Furthermore, several startups were recognized for their outstanding performances, receiving awards in different categories, including Shopup, Pathao, bkash, 10-minute school, UNDP Youthco lab, Nagad, SBK Tech Venture, and funded next.
Prime Minister Hasina also distributed grants from the Bangabandhu Innovation grant to two entrepreneurs, underlining the government’s commitment to supporting innovative projects. The ceremony concluded with the screening of audio-visual documentaries showcasing the Bangladesh Startup Summit, the Bangabandhu Innovation Grant, and the vision of Smart Bangladesh.
Overall, the summit served as a platform to inspire and encourage the youth to lead the way in building a Smart Bangladesh, leveraging technology and innovation to drive progress and prosperity. The government’s proactive measures to nurture skilled professionals and promote entrepreneurship demonstrate a clear commitment to embracing the opportunities presented by the 4IR and securing a bright future for the nation.
National
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, a distinguished academic from the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka, has been appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh (NUB). The Ministry of Education confirmed the appointment through an official notification issued on Sunday (23 November), signed by Sultan Ahmed, Assistant Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, on behalf of the President.
The notice states that, with the approval of the Honorable President and Chancellor, Professor Rahman will serve a four-year term as Vice-Chancellor under Section 31(1) of the Private University Act, 2010. He will receive all salary, allowances, and benefits as determined by the university, and his duties will commence immediately in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Professor Rahman has an outstanding academic background. He secured First Class First in his Honors degree from the University of Dhaka’s Marketing Department, achieving record-breaking marks. He completed his MBA with dual majors in Finance and Marketing at Dalhousie University in Canada, graduating in the top 1% of his class. He later earned his Master’s degree (First Class Second) and PhD from the same department at the University of Dhaka.
During his illustrious 35-year career, he has served as Chairman of the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka for three years and was elected to both the Syndicate and Senate of the university. He also served as Dean at Daffodil International University and has taught as an adjunct professor at North South University, BRAC University, and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
Professor Rahman has an extensive body of research, with over 35 publications, including four international papers and three research monographs. Several MPhil and PhD scholars have completed their degrees under his supervision. He also served for many years as Vice President of the Dhaka University Marketing Alumni Association.
Outside academia, he has contributed significantly to the corporate sector and educational governance. He has worked as an independent director and strategic adviser to various reputed organizations and has served on the governing bodies of several well-known colleges in Dhaka. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the North South Society.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
