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NASA Space Apps Challenge 2021,World Champion: Bangladesh!

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For the second time, Bangladesh has become the world champion at NASA Space Apps Challenge. In Best Mission Concept Category, “Team Mohakash” from Khulna has secured TOP place by beating 4,534 teams from 162 countries. “Team Mohakash” became Champion from Khulna Division in 2021’s NASA Space Apps Challenge-National Hack-a-Thon.

The “ARSS-Advanced Regolith Sampler System”, a tool invented by “Team Mohakash”, will enable astronauts to control the dust that flies freely during the mission to the surface of the aliens. In past human missions to the moon, astronauts had been facing troubles working amid surface dust. At low gravity, dust particles get easily raised and floated, making it difficult for astronauts to collect samples, as well as ionizing due to cosmic radiation, which could have high possibility of damaging the spacesuit.  “Team Mohakash” invents an effective solution to this problem, inventing a toolset that traps these dust particles in a closed chamber and prevents the dust from floating. 

The Information and Communication Technology State Minister, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, has expressed his excitement over the unprecedented success of Bangladesh in NASA Space Apps Challenge 2021. Hon’ble State Minister, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, said, “Digital Bangladesh is being built by the hands of our youth. Khulna University of Science and Technology (KUET) and Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET) have won the title of Space Apps World Champions. BASIS has been organizing this in Bangladesh with the proactive engagement of BASIS Students Forum. Following this, Bangladesh team has become the world champion for the second time. I congratulate “Team Mohakash” and BASIS. This achievement is another unique example of the progress of Digital Bangladesh.”

Regarding this achievement, BASIS President, Syed Almas Kabir said, “Our goal of this year was to do better than the previous events. We became world champions in 2018, but winning the NASA Space Apps Challenge World Champion for the second time is undoubtedly a great achievement. This is another major milestone in our endeavors as BASIS continues the journey of building a Digital Bangladesh. I congratulate “Team Mohakash” for raising the name of Bangladesh in the world arena.”

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BASIS Senior Vice President, Farhana A. Rahman said, “We have become the world champion again. This achievement represents ICT strength of Bangladesh to the whole world in the month of victory—I congratulate “Team Mohakash” for making us proud once again. I would like to thank BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir, Advisor Ariful Hasan Apu, Advisor Mahdi-uz-Zaman, Local Mentors, Local Judges, and Project Coordinators for their tireless efforts”.

“Team Mohakash” Team Leader Sumit Chanda said, “It is always a matter of pride to be able to represent our country to the world. We have worked on a solution that the world’s largest space research organizations including NASA are still researching. We have been working on this project since last year, with BASIS as the biggest contributor. They have always helped us to achieve our goals through direct mentorship. We are grateful to our university teachers and seniors, for teaching us how to deal with problems and how to use them efficiently”.

More than eight hundred projects were submitted from Bangladesh in this year’s edition of the international competition of NASA Space Apps Challenge, organized in collaboration with BASIS and BASIS Students Forum. After scrapping the incomplete projects, representatives from 125 projects participated in the 48-hour hackathon, and the best 27 projects were nominated by NASA from Bangladesh. It was organized on 9 cities of Bangladesh (Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Rangpur, Mymensingh and Cumilla). For more information on the global winners, go to https://2021.spaceappschallenge.org/awards/global-finalists.

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Dhaka Flow inaugurates ‘Transformation’ At Dutch Embassy

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The Transformation: Art of Alchemy exhibition was officially inaugurated on Wednesday at the Residence Gallery of the Dutch Embassy.

Guests explored evocative works by featured artists Vinita Karim, Rokeya Sultana, Asma Akber, Abdus Shakoor, Proshanta Karmakar Buddha, Biplob Chakraborty, and Ranjit Das.

The exhibition space allowed for meaningful dialogue on the transformative power of art in healing and wellbeing.

“Community healing begins with the shared processing of grief, joy, confusion, and hope,” said Shazia Omar, founder and CEO of Dhaka Flow.

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“Through this visual exhibition and our workshops, we wanted to curate a multi-dimensional experience that highlighted the importance of shared creative expression in community healing.”

“Transformation: Art of Alchemy” was a powerful step forward in Dhaka Flow’s mission to create spaces where art and wellness intersect.

As we look ahead, we are committed to deepening this work—especially by uplifting emerging and youth artists across Bangladesh. Our vision is to keep expanding opportunities for shared creative expression, and to continue exploring the ways art and community can support collective wellbeing.

Alongside the artwork, Dhaka Flow has conducted a breathwork—meditation session in the space, with another one coming up soon.

They are also hosting three art workshops at the Dhaka Flow studio, and attendees are invited to sign up using the link below.

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The Dhaka Flow team was present to greet visitors and share their vision for more events that celebrate artists and create space for transformation through movement, breath, and art.

In August, the space will host another exhibition presenting youth artwork from around the country.

The exhibition remains open until the end of July, and paintings can be viewed every Saturday from 12–5pm by appointment only.

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Mystery at the Station: Youth Who Attacked ASI Found Dead in Pond Near Gaibandha Police

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A bizarre and chilling chain of events unfolded at Saghata Police Station in Gaibandha, leaving a community in shock and a mystery in its wake. A young man who had barged into the station, attempted to snatch a rifle, and stabbed an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), was found dead in a nearby pond early Friday morning.

The drama began around 10:00 PM on Thursday, when the unidentified youth, believed to be in his late twenties, entered the police station claiming he wanted to file a complaint. Things quickly escalated. According to police and eyewitnesses, an argument broke out when the computer operator asked the youth to write down the complaint himself and bring it in.

Suddenly, the youth lunged at a constable, trying to grab his rifle. In the chaos that followed, ASI Mohsin Mia and others rushed in to stop him. A scuffle broke out, and the youth managed to stab ASI Mohsin before fleeing into the night.

As it happened, a local arbitration meeting was being held right outside the station. Locals and police joined forces in hot pursuit. Moments later, the youth was seen diving into the pond beside Saghata Pilot High School, trying to hide under thick water hyacinths.

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The area was cordoned off, and police kept vigil overnight. Locals eventually went home. But when dawn broke, the Fire Service recovered the youth’s lifeless body from the pond. Whether he drowned or succumbed to other causes is still unknown. His body was taken to the station and later sent to Gaibandha General Hospital for an autopsy.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Officer-in-Charge Badsha Alam confirmed the incident, saying:

“We cannot confirm the cause of death until we receive the post-mortem report. A legal investigation is underway, and we are working to identify the individual.”

He added that ASI Mohsin suffered injuries to his hand and forehead and was treated at Saghata Upazila Health Complex. A formal briefing on the incident is expected soon.

One eyewitness, Abdullah Mondal, recounted the surreal scene:

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“There was a loud commotion, and then I saw this unknown young man running like his life depended on it, with cops and locals behind him. Then—splash—he dove into the pond. But after that… nothing.”

As authorities dig into the circumstances surrounding this strange encounter, one question lingers in the air: Who was he, and what drove him to charge into a police station with chaos in his eyes and a knife in his hand?

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Words That Win: Global Spell Bee 2025 National Final Wraps Up at North South University

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The air at North South University buzzed with brains and big dreams as the national finale of Global Spell Bee 2025 reached its crescendo. Students from across the country battled it out with syllables and synonyms, showing off not just stellar spelling skills but razor-sharp thinking and academic brilliance.

Organised by EduPro Concepts BD Ltd. in collaboration with GateKeepr and Help the Future, and proudly hosted by the North South University Debate Club, this event wasn’t just a spelling showdown—it was a stage where young minds from grades 4 to 12 danced with words, discovered their potential, and learned to roar (politely, of course) in perfect English.

The event is a part of the internationally recognized Global Spell Bee, and the stakes were sky-high. Winners from this round will pack their dictionaries and dreams for Dubai this October, where they’ll go head-to-head with contestants from nearly 50 countries for a shot at global recognition—and one life-changing educational journey.

The grand finale drew in an impressive crowd of guests and dignitaries. Chief Guest Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU and Chairman of Grameen Bank, lit up the stage with encouragement:

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“Competitions like the Global Spell Bee help students become smarter, more confident, and better at expressing their thoughts. The moment you stepped in and competed, you already won.”

Stephen Forbes, Country Director of the British Council Bangladesh, chimed in with wise words wrapped in inspiration:

“Education gives you choices. The more you learn, the more life brings you options.”

Also present was Mohammad Inzamul Haque, Assistant Personal Secretary to the Education Adviser at the Ministry of Education, who praised the competition for going beyond grades and grammar:

“It builds confidence, discipline, and communication—skills that are essential for the world these students are stepping into.”

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The competition itself? Oh, it was fierce. It had everything—from intense written and oral rounds to workshops, mentorship marathons, and plenty of “spell-offs.” Contestants had access to premium vocabulary resources and coaching that leveled up their comprehension and communication game.

In the senior category, the finale was so tight, it needed a tiebreaker—because apparently, excellence decided to show up twice. Eventually, Nabiha Tahseen Nubah from Sunnydale School claimed the crown. Over in the junior category, Ibnat Namira Ahmed from Summerfield International School stole the spotlight.

Every participant walked away with medals and certificates, but more than that—they carried home confidence, connections, and a renewed love for learning.

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Editor : Jashim Uddin ; Publisher: Rafiqul Alam Address: Bengal Centre (6th floor), 28 Topkhana Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Ph :+8802-7124586 e-mail:dailyfrontlinebd@gmail.com Copyright © 2020 Daily Frontline. Bangladesh Independent Daily.