RU Correspondent: The first BSCF Divisional Astronomy Camp 2024 will be held at Rajshahi University (RU) on May 17-18. Organized by the Bangladesh Socio-Cultural Forum (BSCF) and supported by Astronomy Pathshala, the camp aims to impart basic knowledge of the vast expanse of space. This information was announced during a press conference held in the teachers’ lounge of the central cafeteria on Wednesday, May 15.

In a written statement, Camp Chief Samin Yasser Saad said, “Our organization aims to introduce the fundamentals of space science to students in Bangladesh. We want students to think about astronomy, participate in national and international Olympiads, and pursue higher education in astronomy with enthusiasm.” Over three hundred students, including those from grades 10 to 12, SSC and HSC candidates from various educational institutions in the Rajshahi division, will participate. Students from higher educational institutions, including Rabi, RUET, and RAMEC, are involved in organizing the camp.

Saad also mentioned that the two-day camp will cover the basics of astronomy and include practical telescope sessions. Students will learn complex physics topics enjoyably. The camp will feature group work, presentations, an astronomy Olympiad, sessions on organizational behavior and mental health, field visits, trips to Novotheatres, and opportunities to win prizes at BSCF National Astronomy Camps.

The inaugural session will take place on Friday, May 17, at 10 am in the engineering gallery room of the MA Wazed Mia Academic Building. RU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Md. Humayun Kabir will be the chief guest, and eminent mathematician and former RU Mathematics Department teacher, Subrata Majumder, will inaugurate the camp.

Special guests at the opening session include Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib from the Physics Department, Professor Abdullah Shams Bin Tariq from the Mechanical Engineering Department of RUET, Associate Professor Md. Rabiul Islam Sarkar from Kushtia Medical College and Hospital, and Deputy Director of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novotheatre Rajshahi, Shamsur Reza.

The first day, May 17, will conclude with various sessions, a practical telescope session, and the Astronomy Olympiad. On the second day, May 18, participants will visit Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novotheatre in Rajshahi at 10 am to watch scheduled shows. The second session will be held at the TSCC auditorium from 2:30 PM.

The closing ceremony and prize distribution will take place at 6:30 pm, with RU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Md. Sultan-ul-Islam as the chief guest. Special guests include Additional Secretary and General Director of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novotheatre, Professor Nurul Alam, RU Physics Department President M. Khalilur Rahman Khan, Additional DIG of Bangladesh Police Rajshahi Range Vijay Basak, Associate Professor of Folklore Department Md. Habibur Rahman, and ECE Department Lecturer at RUET Aishi Jyoti. Camp Chief and RUET student Samin Yasser Saad will preside over the program.

BSCF Chairperson Niloy Sahar moderated the press conference, with Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib from the Physics Department and about twenty members present.

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