Vision & Vogue: Redefining Fashion Through Sustainability and Innovation
Can the materials we throw away become the fashion statements we admire? Can newspapers, cardboard, plastic bottles, fabric scraps, and other everyday waste be transformed into runway-worthy couture that challenges how we see sustainability? These questions lie at the heart of Vision & Vogue, a unique platform that challenges young creators to rethink fashion through the lens of sustainability, creativity, and storytelling. Organised by the Department of Fashion Promotion & Marketing at Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD), Vision & Vogue invites participants to design a Bangladeshi-themed outfit using recyclable materials. But creating an eye-catching ensemble is only part of the challenge. Participants must also develop a brand concept, define its identity, and present the story behind their creation—reflecting the realities of today’s fashion industry, where successful brands are built on purpose as much as design. Open to Grade 11, Grade 12, and GED students aged 15-23, the competition welcomes individual participants or teams of up to three members, giving aspiring creatives the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and bring bold ideas to life. The competition will take place on 1 August 2026, where shortlisted participants will present their creations on the runway before a panel of judges. With a prize pool of BDT 60,000, Vision & Vogue promises not only recognition for outstanding creativity but also a platform to showcase talent at the intersection of sustainable fashion, branding, and innovation. Beyond showcasing creativity, the competition serves as a tribute to Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage. Participants are encouraged to explore the country’s traditions, artisanal crafts, colours, and cultural identity, creating designs that honour the past while reimagining it through the lens of contemporary fashion, sustainability, and innovation. More than a competition, Vision & Vogue reflects UCBD’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of fashion innovators. It showcases a philosophy that values creativity, strategic thinking, and sustainability as the driving forces behind successful fashion brands. This approach is championed through UCBD’s Bachelor’s in Fashion Promotion & Marketing, offered in partnership with the University of Lancashire, UK. Combining industry-focused learning with real-world application, the programmememe prepares students to excel across every dimension of the modern fashion ecosystem, from branding and digital engagement to retail, styling, creative direction, and consumer experience. Graduates emerge ready to shape trends, build impactful brands, and lead the future of fashion with confidence and purpose. Vision & Vogue showcases a modern vision of fashion, where creativity extends beyond aesthetics to include brand building, cultural storytelling, and sustainable innovation. It celebrates fashion as a powerful medium for self-expression, communication, and positive change. For aspiring fashion enthusiasts, the competition is more than a showcase of talent. It is a unique opportunity to turn imagination into impact, transforming recyclable materials into striking wearable art and innovative ideas into unforgettable stories. Published in: Campus, The Daily Star
শিল্প-শিক্ষা সহযোগিতা জোরদারে ইউসিবিডি ও কারমো গ্রুপের সমঝোতা
শিল্প ও শিক্ষাখাতের মধ্যে সহযোগিতা আরও জোরদার করতে সমঝোতা স্মারক (এমওইউ) সই করেছে ইউনিভার্সাল কলেজ বাংলাদেশ (ইউসিবিডি) ও দেশের বেডিং প্রস্তুতকারী প্রতিষ্ঠান কারমো গ্রুপ অব ইন্ডাস্ট্রিজ। শনিবার (১২ জুলাই) স্বাক্ষরিত এ চুক্তির আওতায় শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য ইন্টার্নশিপ, হাতে-কলমে প্রশিক্ষণ, পেশাগত দক্ষতা উন্নয়ন, জ্ঞানবিনিময়মূলক সেশন এবং ক্যারিয়ার উন্নয়নে যৌথভাবে কাজ করবে দুই প্রতিষ্ঠান। ইউসিবিডির পক্ষে চুক্তিতে স্বাক্ষর করেন প্রতিষ্ঠানটির চিফ অপারেটিং অফিসার কিংশুক গুপ্ত। কারমো গ্রুপ অব ইন্ডাস্ট্রিজের পক্ষে স্বাক্ষর করেন পরিচালক দেওয়ান শাহরিয়ার। অনুষ্ঠানে ইউসিবিডির করপোরেট রিলেশনস বিভাগের জেনারেল ম্যানেজার শাহ ইউশা আহমেদসহ উভয় প্রতিষ্ঠানের ঊর্ধ্বতন কর্মকর্তারা উপস্থিত ছিলেন। চুক্তি স্বাক্ষর অনুষ্ঠানে কিংশুক গুপ্ত বলেন, শ্রেণিকক্ষের শিক্ষার পাশাপাশি বাস্তব কর্মক্ষেত্রের অভিজ্ঞতা শিক্ষার্থীদের দক্ষতা ও আত্মবিশ্বাস বাড়াতে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা রাখে। এই অংশীদারিত্ব শিক্ষার্থীদের চাকরির বাজারের চাহিদা অনুযায়ী প্রস্তুত হতে সহায়তা করবে। কারমো গ্রুপের পরিচালক দেওয়ান শাহরিয়ার বলেন, দক্ষ জনবল গড়ে তুলতে শিল্প ও শিক্ষাপ্রতিষ্ঠানের মধ্যে কার্যকর সহযোগিতা প্রয়োজন। এ উদ্যোগের মাধ্যমে শিক্ষার্থীরা বাস্তব কর্মপরিবেশ সম্পর্কে মূল্যবান অভিজ্ঞতা অর্জনের সুযোগ পাবেন। ইউসিবিডি জানিয়েছে, উচ্চশিক্ষা ও শিল্পখাতের মধ্যে কার্যকর সংযোগ তৈরি এবং কর্মমুখী দক্ষ মানবসম্পদ গড়ে তুলতে ভবিষ্যতেও এ ধরনের উদ্যোগ অব্যাহত থাকবে। প্রকাশিতঃ দৈনিক কালবেলা
UCBD partners with Karmo Group on internships, career development
Universal College Bangladesh and Karmo Group of Industries have entered into a memorandum of understanding to enhance experiential learning, internships and career development for students. Through this agreement, the two organisations will collaborate on industry engagement initiatives designed to provide students with practical skills, professional exposure and stronger career readiness. Chief Operating Officer Kingshuk Gupta of Universal College Bangladesh and Director Diwan Shahriar of Karmo Group of Industries signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. General Manager for Corporate Relations at Universal College Bangladesh, Shah Yousha Ahmed, attended the signing ceremony alongside senior representatives from both organisations. “The classroom builds knowledge, but industry experience builds confidence. Our partnership with Karmo Group of Industries will give students valuable workplace exposure and help them graduate better prepared for the demands of today’s job market,” Chief Operating Officer Kingshuk Gupta of Universal College Bangladesh said. Director Diwan Shahriar of Karmo Group of Industries said collaboration between industry and academia was essential to developing professionals who could adapt and contribute from the outset of their careers. “We are pleased to partner with Universal College Bangladesh to help students gain practical insights and real-world experience,” said Director Diwan Shahriar of Karmo Group of Industries. Universal College Bangladesh said the partnership is part of its broader drive to strengthen links between higher education and industry and to prepare graduates for an increasingly competitive labour market. Published in: TBS
ইউসিবিডিতে শুরু হলো চলতি বছরের মোনাশ কলেজ ডিপ্লোমার নতুন ব্যাচ
চলতি বছরে মোনাশ কলেজ ডিপ্লোমা (এমসিডি) প্রোগ্রামের দ্বিতীয় ব্যাচের শিক্ষার্থীদের ওরিয়েন্টেশনের আয়োজন করেছে দেশে মোনাশ কলেজের একমাত্র অংশীদার প্রতিষ্ঠান ইউনিভার্সাল কলেজ বাংলাদেশ (ইউসিবিডি)। ২০২১ সালে যাত্রা শুরুর পর এটি ছিল ইউসিবিডির এমসিডি প্রোগ্রামের ১৫তম ব্যাচ। ইউসিবিডির গুলশান ক্যাম্পাসে আয়োজিত অনুষ্ঠানে নতুন ভর্তি হওয়া শিক্ষার্থী ও তাঁদের অভিভাবকেরা অংশ নেন। অনুষ্ঠানে তাঁদের স্বাগত জানান ইউসিবিডির প্রোভোস্ট অধ্যাপক মোহাম্মদ ইসমাইল হোসেন এবং বাংলাদেশে অস্ট্রেলিয়ার মোনাশ ইউনিভার্সিটির অফিশিয়াল ইন-কান্ট্রি ম্যানেজার আজরা করিম। এ সময় তাঁরা এই প্রোগ্রামের গুরুত্ব এবং বৈশ্বিক পর্যায়ে এর সুযোগ-সুবিধাগুলো নিয়ে বক্তব্য রাখেন। ইউনিভার্সাল কলেজ বাংলাদেশ পরিচালিত মোনাশ কলেজ ডিপ্লোমা মূলত মোনাশ ইউনিভার্সিটির স্নাতক প্রথম বর্ষের সমতুল্য একটি প্রোগ্রাম। ঢাকার ইউসিবিডি ক্যাম্পাস থেকে মোনাশ কলেজ ডিপ্লোমা সফলভাবে সম্পন্ন করে শিক্ষার্থীরা কোনো ধরনের জটিলতা ছাড়াই সরাসরি অস্ট্রেলিয়া বা মালয়েশিয়ার মোনাশ ইউনিভার্সিটিতে স্নাতক দ্বিতীয় বর্ষে ভর্তি হতে পারবেন। বর্তমানে বিজনেস, ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং এবং ইনফরমেশন টেকনোলজি (আইটি) এই তিনটি বিষয়ে এমসিডি প্রোগ্রামটি পরিচালনা করা হয়। অনুষ্ঠানে আজরা করিম বলেন, “এমসিডি প্রোগ্রামটি স্থানীয় শিক্ষার্থীদের নিজ দেশে থেকেই বিশ্বমানের কারিকুলামে পড়াশোনার সুযোগ করে দিচ্ছে। ইউসিবিডিতে যাত্রা শুরুর মাধ্যমে শিক্ষার্থীরা প্রয়োজনীয় একাডেমিক দক্ষতা ও আন্তর্জাতিক মানের অভিজ্ঞতা অর্জন করতে পারবে, যা পরবর্তীতে তাদের বিদেশের ক্যাম্পাসে মানিয়ে নিতে সাহায্য করবে।” বিশ্বমানের শিক্ষা প্রদানের ক্ষেত্রে ইউসিবিডির অঙ্গীকার পুনর্ব্যক্ত করে অধ্যাপক মোহাম্মদ ইসমাইল হোসেন বলেন, “২০২৬ শিক্ষাবর্ষের দ্বিতীয় ব্যাচকে স্বাগত জানাতে পেরে আমরা অত্যন্ত আনন্দিত। আমাদের লক্ষ্য হলো, শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য মোনাশের মূল ক্যাম্পাসের মতোই নিখুঁত ও উচ্চমানসম্পন্ন শিক্ষা নিশ্চিত করা।” শিক্ষার্থী ও অভিভাবকদের সাথে একটি অংশগ্রহণমূলক প্রশ্নোত্তর পর্বের মাধ্যমে আয়োজনটি শেষ হয়। নতুন শিক্ষাবর্ষের পাঠ্যক্রম সম্পর্কে স্পষ্ট ধারণা দেওয়ার লক্ষ্যে এ পর্বটি আয়োজন করা হয়। Published In: Bangladesh Protidin
Universal College Bangladesh welcomes new Monash College Diploma cohort for 2026
Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD), the exclusive partner of Monash College, held an orientation programmeme on 22 June, 2026, to welcome its second intake of Monash College Diploma (MCD) students for the year and its 15th intake since UCBD’s inception in 2021, reports a press release. Held at the UCBD Gulshan campus, the session brought together the newly enrolled student cohort and their parents. During the orientation, Professor Muhammad Ismail Hossain, provost of UCBD, along with S Azra Karim, official in-country manager (Bangladesh) for Monash University, Australia, welcomed the families and walked them through the significance of the programmeme and the opportunities it presents on a global scale. The MCD programmememe, available in Business, Engineering, and Information Technology, is equivalent to the first year of a Monash University undergraduate degree. It provides local students with a seamless, guaranteed pathway to progress directly into the second year of their chosen bachelor’s degree at Monash University in Australia or Malaysia. Speaking at the event, S Azra Karim said, “The MCD programmeme provides Bangladeshi students with immediate access to a world-class global curriculum right from their home country. By starting their journey at UCBD, students equip themselves with the critical academic skills and international exposure necessary to thrive when they transition to Monash campuses abroad.” Reflecting on UCBD’s commitment to delivering world-class education, Prof Muhammad Ismail Hossain stated, “We are thrilled to welcome our second cohort of 2026. Our mission is to ensure these students receive the exact same rigorous, high-quality education they would experience at Monash campuses in Malaysia and Australia.” The orientation concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing parents and students to connect directly with the faculty, building strong confidence for the academic year ahead. Published on: Prothom Alo
Why cybersecurity expertise makes a great career
Bangladesh’s rapid shift toward a digital-first economy, driven by mobile banking, e-commerce, and cloud adoption, has made cybersecurity not just important, but indispensable. Everyone’s personal information, financial transactions and work lives are now increasingly dependent on digital systems, which means the need to protect data from cyberattacks has become more important than ever Bangladesh’s rapid shift toward a digital-first economy, driven by mobile banking, e-commerce, and cloud adoption, has made cybersecurity not just important, but indispensable. Everyone’s personal information, financial transactions and work lives are now increasingly dependent on digital systems, which means the need to protect data from cyberattacks has become more important than ever. Naturally, the need for professional cybersecurity experts has risen significantly due to this continuously expanding digital transformation, not just in Bangladesh, but across the globe too. That is why cybersecurity has become so crucial as a career field. Cybersecurity professionals are the ones who stand between hackers and regular people, protecting their sensitive information and keeping the whole digital infrastructure secure. With a great number of cyber threats growing every day, the need for skilled cybersecurity experts has also been growing, not just in Bangladesh, but all around the world. What’s great about having cybersecurity as a career is the many possibilities exist. Some people become ethical hackers who try to break into systems deliberately in order to identify potential threats and fix them. Others go into digital forensics where they get to investigate cybercrimes and trace the attacks Even though there is an evident rising demand, there aren’t nearly enough of cybersecurity professionals in Bangladesh. A survey conducted last year by Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management portrayed that, 70 per cent of surveyed banks have no automation. One of the primary reasons behind this scenario is that, most organisations in the country still depend on people who only have basic training. If not that, they rely on outsourced help to handle their data security. The reason behind this is very simple. There just are not enough formal and internationally recognized programmemes in Bangladesh which can train people properly. That is something that really needs to change. Institutions are beginning to address this gap by offering up-to-date programmemes. Such academic programmemes are designed to align with international standards. Programs like these are essential for developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce in Bangladesh. What’s great about having cybersecurity as a career is the many possibilities exist. Some people become ethical hackers who try to break into systems deliberately in order to identify potential threats and fix them. Others go into digital forensics where they get to investigate cybercrimes and trace the attacks. Then there are the security analysts, risk assessors, cryptographers, and the list goes on. The different options allow individuals to choose the career path that they like better. Be it problem solving, technical challenges or strategic planning, there is something for everyone. Interestingly, it’s not limited to only one industry either. Banks need cybersecurity experts and so do hospitals, government offices, tech startups, and multinational corporations. Because threats are global, the work opportunities are too, including the chance to work abroad. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 33 percent job growth between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average across all occupations. The field offers secure careers with well-paying jobs, and there’s always something new to learn. In addition to technical expertise, cybersecurity professionals need to be ethical, flexible and critical thinkers. Technology changes fast, and so do the threats. Cybersecurity programmemes such as the one developed by the University of Lancashire, that is offered through Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD), try to prepare students for that reality by combining classroom learning with real, hands-on experience. On a whole, cybersecurity is not only a technical career. It’s a profession with a purpose. It gives people the chance to protect individuals, organisations, and society in the digital world. For students passionate about technology, problem-solving, and global opportunities, a career in cybersecurity can be both rewarding and impactful. * Ambreen Zaman is a senior lecturer at Universal College Bangladesh * The views expressed here are the author’s own. Published In: Prothom Alo
UCBD launches ‘Campus to Corporate’ to link academia, industry
Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD) has introduced ‘Campus to Corporate’, a new skill development platform designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, reinforcing its commitment to industry-aligned education with an inaugural interactive session. The session was held at the UCBD campus in Dhaka, according to a press release. The initiative prepares students for professional careers by providing direct engagement with senior corporate leaders and practitioners, offering firsthand exposure to industry expectations. The first session featured Shadab Ahmed Khan, managing director of Coca-Cola Icecek Bangladesh, who engaged with students aspiring to enter the corporate world. Drawing from his professional journey, Khan shared practical insights on leadership, career progression, adaptability, and continuous learning in today’s dynamic business environment. He emphasised the importance of applying academic knowledge in real workplace situations. ‘Your academic foundation is important, but what truly differentiates you is how you translate learning into action. Stay curious, take initiative, and view challenges and failures as opportunities to grow,’ he said. Students participated in an open discussion and Q&A, gaining insights into corporate realities and workplace expectations. Organisers noted that the session clarified modern professional demands for students. Manas Singh, CEO of STS Group and UCBD, highlighted the platform’s goal of connecting students with industry leaders. ‘This platform goes beyond textbooks, helping students build confidence, understand workplace dynamics, and develop the skills that employers value today,’ he said. The initiative is part of UCBD’s ongoing commitment to industry-aligned education. Through the platform, UCBD will host monthly interactive sessions with professionals from diverse industries, such as talks, Q&As, and career guidance panels, providing students with regular exposure to real-world perspectives and career pathways. The session concluded with a dynamic exchange that reinforced UCBD’s emphasis on experiential learning to prepare students for professional success. Published in: TBNews Daily Times of Bangladesh
UCBD students continue to secure Australia visas amid tighter scrutiny
Australia’s tightening of student visa requirements has left many Bangladeshi applicants facing heightened scrutiny and uncertainty. Yet, students from Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD) are seeing consistent success in securing Australian visas—highlighting the value of a structured academic pathway amid shifting regulatory demands. Even in this stricter environment, students from Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD) have continued to receive Australian visas with notable consistency. The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard’s Google news channel UCBD attributes this success to its exclusive partnership with Monash College—Bangladesh’s sole provider of official Monash pathway programmememes. Through the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) and Monash College Diploma (MCD), students undertake an internationally recognised Australian curriculum that directly aligns with university standards. The MUFY programmememe provides a direct foundation for undergraduate entry at Monash University, while the MCD enables students to complete the first year of a Monash bachelor’s degree in Dhaka and transition seamlessly into the second year in Australia. With curriculum and assessments set by Monash, UCBD students demonstrably meet the academic standards required for progression—an advantage that has proven critical in the current visa landscape. Bhuvan Das, an alumnus of Sunnydale School, previously faced two visa refusals from Canadian universities despite strong A-levels. Undeterred, he enrolled in the Monash MCD pathway at UCBD, determined to continue his international education journey. ‘UCBD provided a pathway forward—a valuable option for students facing visa rejections elsewhere,’ he said. Through the Monash pathway, he repositioned his application and advanced to Australia. Mashraf Karim Chowdhury, a MUFY graduate from UCBD and alumnus of Mastermind School, is now enrolled at Curtin University with a scholarship. UCBD reports that his visa was approved within a week—underscoring the benefits of a recognised pathway. ‘I completed MUFY at UCBD and enrolled at Curtin University last December with a scholarship. My visa was processed within a week,’ he said. ‘UCBD helped me grow in presentations and communication—it is highly professional.’ Similarly, Samiul Islam Sifat, a Monash College Diploma in Engineering graduate and alumnus of Residential Model School and College, is now progressing to Monash University’s Clayton campus. ‘I was initially anxious about the visa, but UCBD’s preparation instilled confidence,’ he said. ‘Regular sessions and seminars were arranged, and starting here allowed me to save both time and money.’ Collectively, these cases illustrate that, even amid stricter visa regimes, UCBD students continue to progress to Australia with confidence. By providing Monash College pathway programmememes in Bangladesh, UCBD has established itself as a trusted academic bridge for students pursuing higher education abroad. Source: TBS
LSE education key to accelerating young professionals’ careers: speakers
London School of Economics (LSE) education equips young professionals with a global outlook, analytical depth and practical skills needed to accelerate their careers, speakers said at a seminar in Dhaka. The seminar, hosted by Universal College Bangladesh at The Westin Dhaka on January 29, highlighted how the University of London–LSE programmememe delivered in Bangladesh prepares students for competitive global careers through academic rigour and industry relevance, says a press release. Delivering a special speech, Dr James Abdey, associate academic director for University of London Programmes at the London School of Economics and Political Science, said the programmememes offered in Dhaka maintain the same academic standards and global recognition as those delivered in London. Nazeem A Choudhury, deputy managing director of Prime Bank PLC, said early educational choices play a critical role in shaping long-term career outcomes, adding that LSE education builds strong analytical and critical thinking skills essential in today’s complex business environment. Shehzad Munim, independent director of Linde Bangladesh Ltd and former managing director of BAT Bangladesh, said LSE-educated professionals stand out for their ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world business challenges, combining global perspective with practical decision-making. Mohammad Morshed Amin, country manager of DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh, said graduates from the LSE system demonstrate strong career readiness and adaptability, enabling them to contribute effectively from the outset of their professional journeys. The seminar also featured reflections from LSE alumni Saqeb Mahbub and Tasmiah Rahman, who shared how the academic discipline, assessment methods and international exposure of the LSE system shaped their professional confidence and personal growth. Earlier, Kingshuk Gupta, chief operating officer of Universal College Bangladesh, welcomed participants, while Prof Muhammad Ismail Hossain, dean (academics), outlined the academic framework and learning approach of the University of London–LSE programmememes offered at the college. More than 100 participants, including prospective students, current students, parents, alumni and industry professionals, attended the seminar, which also served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange. Published in: The Daily Star
LSE-linked education prepares Bangladeshi students for global careers
Education offered under the University of London–London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) framework equips young professionals with a global outlook, strong analytical capabilities, and practical skills needed to accelerate their careers, speakers said at a seminar in Dhaka. The event was hosted by Universal College Bangladesh (UCBD) at The Westin Dhaka on 29 January 2026, with the objective of highlighting how the University of London–LSE programmememes delivered in Bangladesh prepare students for competitive global careers through academic rigour and industry relevance. Delivering a special address, James Abdey, Associate Academic Director for University of London programmememes at London School of Economics and Political Science, said the programmememes offered in Dhaka maintain the same academic standards and global recognition as those delivered in London. Speaking at the seminar, Nazeem A Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director of Prime Bank PLC, said early educational choices play a decisive role in shaping long-term career outcomes. He added that an LSE education builds strong analytical and critical thinking skills essential in today’s complex business environment. Shehzad Munim, Independent Director of Linde Bangladesh Ltd and former Managing Director of BAT Bangladesh, said LSE graduates stand out for their ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world business challenges, combining global perspective with practical decision-making. Echoing similar views, Mohammad Morshed Amin, Country Manager of DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh, said graduates from the LSE system demonstrate strong career readiness and adaptability, enabling them to contribute effectively from the outset of their professional careers. The seminar also featured reflections from LSE alumni Saqeb Mahbub and Tasmiah Rahman, who shared how the academic discipline, assessment methods, and international exposure of the LSE system shaped their professional confidence and personal development. Earlier, Kingshuk Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of UCBD, welcomed the participants, while Professor Muhammad Ismail Hossain, Dean (Academics) of UCBD, outlined the academic framework and learning approach of the University of London–LSE programmememes offered at UCBD. The seminar drew more than 100 participants, including prospective and current students, parents, alumni, and industry professionals, and provided a platform for networking and discussion on education and career development. Published in: TBS,