United News of Bangladesh

The authorities of Dhaka University (DU) have erased images of individuals convicted of war crimes that were painted at Jagannath Hall on the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, students alleged. To commemorate the martyred intellectuals of the 1971 Liberation War, the Jagannath Hall Students’ Union organised a programme titled “Tuli’r Anchore Droho” (Defiance Through Brushstrokes) last night. As part of the programme, students painted images of convicted war criminals Ghulam Azam, Matiur Rahman Nizami, and Abdul Quader Molla - all senior leaders of Jamaat e Islami in independent Bangladesh at the time of their convictions- on the road in front of the hall’s Rabindra Bhaban. However, according to students and organisers, the images were erased on Sunday morning on the instructions of the university administration. Speaking about the incident, Jagannath Hall Union Vice President Pallab Barman said that the programme was organised to remember the martyred intellectuals and to express students’ anger against the Razakars. “But the administration erased the painted caricatures without informing us. We have not received any explanation so far,” he added. Attempts to contact Jagannath Hall Provost Debashish Pal and DU Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed for comments were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to phone calls.

Several British universities have quietly tightened or suspended admissions for students from Bangladesh and Pakistan, citing tougher Home Office rules and rising visa refusal rates, a move that is significantly narrowing access for applicants from two of the UK’s largest international student source countries. UK universities have traditionally relied heavily on international students to support their finances and sustain globally diverse campuses. Amid heightened scrutiny by immigration authorities, many institutions are, however, now limiting recruitment from what they describe as “high-risk” countries to avoid breaching visa compliance thresholds. According to a report by the Financial Times, at least nine UK universities have imposed restrictions on recruitment from certain countries following increased Home Office monitoring over alleged visa misuse. The move follows a rise in asylum claims by international students prompting Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle to caution that student visas ‘must not be used as a backdoor’ to permanent settlement in Britain. Several universities have already taken direct action. The University of Wolverhampton has stopped accepting undergraduate applicants from both Bangladesh and Pakistan, while the University of East London has paused recruitment from Pakistan. The Universities of Sunderland and Coventry have suspended recruitment from both countries. London Metropolitan University confirmed it halted recruitment from Bangladesh after Bangladeshi applicants accounted for 60 percent of its total visa refusals. Universities insist the decisions are driven by compliance concerns rather than discrimination. The University of Sunderland said it makes ‘no apologies’ for adopting a firm stance to ‘protect the integrity’ of the UK’s student visa system. Official data underscore the pressure universities are facing. For the year ending September 2025, visa refusal rates stood at 18 percent for Pakistani applicants and 22 percent for Bangladeshi applicants—well above the newly enforced 5 percent threshold. Together, applicants from the two countries accounted for around half of the 23,036 student visa applications rejected by the Home Office during that period. Asylum claims from Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals have also risen in recent years, with many individuals originally entering the UK on study or work visas, further intensifying government scrutiny. While universities maintain that the restrictions are necessary to safeguard their sponsor licences, critics argue the measures risk undermining the UK’s reputation as an open destination for international education and disproportionately affect students from South Asia seeking higher education opportunities in Britain.

On the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, University of Dhaka has installed small placards bearing the names and identities of teachers, students, officers, and staff who were killed during the 1971 Liberation War, to pay tribute to their sacrifices and preserve their history. The program, held on Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, covered key areas across the campus, including the TSC grounds, in front of the Central Library, Hakim Chattar, Madhur Canteen, Kala Bhavan, Mall Chattar, VC Chattar, Soparjit Shadhinota Chattar, Law Faculty premises, Motahar Hossain Bhaban, Science Library, Karzon Hall area, Doel Chattar, Charukala, and areas adjacent to all residential halls. The placards commemorate the victims of atrocities carried out by the Pakistani army and their collaborators, including Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams forces. According to the university’s official list, 195 individuals from Dhaka University were martyred during the Liberation War. Dhaka University observes Martyred Intellectuals Day with due solemnity The organizer of the program, literature and publication secretary of DU Chhatra Dal, Abu Hayat Md. Zulfiqur Jesun, said that the martyrs of the Liberation War are not merely names confined to the pages of history; they are the very foundation of the nation’s existence, independence, and dignity. He said it is a moral responsibility to pass on the story of their sacrifices to the new generation. “In that spirit, it is our bounden duty to make the history of those from Dhaka University who were martyred in the Liberation War known to all,” he added. Through this initiative, the memories of the martyrs have been made visible across the campus, while also fostering among young students a deeper understanding of the Liberation War, a sense of responsibility, and an interest in learning the authentic history. The Chhatra Dal leader further expressed hope that such initiatives related to independence and sovereignty would continue in the future and would be regarded as an exemplary effort in preserving the memory of the martyrs.

Dhaka University observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day today through a series of programs. On this occasion, black flags were hoisted at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and other important buildings of the university. Led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, floral wreaths were laid at the graveyard adjacent to the university’s central mosque, the memorial at Jagannath Hall premises, memorials in various residential areas, and the Martyred Intellectuals Memorials at Mirpur and Rayer Bazaar. Special prayers were offered at the university’s central mosque and mosques of different residential halls seeking the eternal peace of the souls of the martyred intellectuals, while special prayers were also held at other places of worship. Marking the day, a discussion meeting was organized at the auditorium of the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of the university. At the beginning of the discussion, a one-minute silence was observed in tribute to the martyrs. The meeting was addressed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Professor Sajeda Banu, younger sister of martyred intellectual Gias Uddin Ahmed, DUCSU Vice-President Abu Shadik kayem, along with leaders of the University of Dhaka Officers’ Association, the Third level Employees’ Association, and the Technical Employees’ Association. Deans of various faculties, chairpersons of departments, directors of institutes, the proctor, provosts, teachers, heads of different offices, officers, and employees were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that the historic events of 1952, 1969, 1971, 1990, and 2024 are not contradictory to one another; rather, they have collectively shaped Bangladesh’s national identity and history. He emphasized that the nation must remain aware and united against ongoing political attempts to create divisions by setting these events against each other. He further said that the sacrifice of the martyred intellectuals is not merely a part of memorable history; it forms the foundation of the nation’s unity, identity, and existence. As long as this sacrifice remains alive in collective memory, the unity of the nation will remain intact.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) staged a protest march today evening condemning the shooting of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson and aspiring independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured after armed assailants opened fire on him in the capital’s Paltan area today. The procession began in front of the DUCSU building and paraded through several roads on campus before ending at the VC Chhatar. During the march, students chanted various slogans, including “We are all Hadi,” “We will speak even at gunpoint,” “Bullets pierce Hadi’s chest-what is the administration doing?” among others. At the rally, Sadik Shikdar, VP of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall Union, said, "The Bangladesh we earned in exchange for the blood of thousands of martyrs has been handed over to an interim government that has failed to ensure the security of the July revolutionaries. We demand the immediate arrest and trial of the terrorists who shot Hadi." Wishing Hadi’s speedy recovery, DUCSU AGS Mohiuddin Khan said, "Osman Hadi’s struggle is essentially our struggle. His struggle represents the struggle of July." Meanwhile, at 5 PM, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) brought out a protest march from the Dhaka Medical College Hospital premises. The procession marched around the Shaheed Minar, Rusel Tower, and the streets adjacent to Jagannath Hall before returning to the DMCH compound. JCD central committee president Rakibul Islam Rakib, general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, DU unit president Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, general secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, and leaders from different levels participated in the march. Speaking there, JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib said, "The attack on Osman Hadi just one day after the announcement of the national election schedule is a conspiracy to sabotage the election. Hadi is an active participant of the July movement. The attack clearly exposes the failure of the interim government." Addressing the interim government, he said, "We urge the interim authorities to immediately bring the attackers to justice. A certain group is trying to destabilize the country-your duty is to stop them." DU students protest under banner of ‘Students Against Terrorism’ A group of Dhaka University students also held a protest rally under the banner ‘Students Against Terrorism,’ demanding justice and accountability for the attack. The rally was held at 5:30 PM in front of the Raju Sculpture on campus. Demanding the arrest of the culprits, DU student Reyadul Islam said, "We have always trusted the law and relied on state institutions. But today we face the tragic outcome of that trust-our beloved brother Hadi is fighting for his life after being shot.”

The final list of candidates for the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (SUCSU) and hall union elections were published on Thursday. Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr. Abul Mukit Mohammad Moqaddes released the list on the SUCSU website. For the central union, 4 candidates are finalized for Vice President (VP): Delowar Hasan (Shishir), Muhyi Sharad, Mominur Rashid Shuvo, and Md. Mostakim Billah. 7 candidates are confirmed for General Secretary (GS): Md. Mujahidul Islam, Faisal Hossain, Maruf Billah, Junaid Ahmed, Md. Saifur Rahman, Md. Palash Bakhtiar, and Md. Junaid Hasan. The Election Commission also finalized candidates for other central posts, including 4 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS), 2 for Sports Secretary, 4 for Assistant Sports Secretary, 2 for Literature & Annual Secretary, 3 for Cultural Secretary, 2 for Liberation & Democratic Movement Secretary, 3 for Religion & Harmony Secretary, 3 for Social Welfare Secretary, 4 for Female Affairs Secretary, 4 for Health & Environment Secretary, 5 for Education, Research & Career Development Secretary, 5 for Information & Technology Secretary, 4 for International Affairs Secretary, 4 for Transport Secretary, 4 for Cafeteria & Canteen Secretary, and 5 for Law & Human Rights Secretary. A total of 28 candidates were finalized for general member positions. For the five residential halls, 11 candidates are confirmed for VP, 9 for GS, and 9 for AGS in each hall. After almost 28 years, elections will be held for 23 central union posts and nine posts in each of the six hall unions. Voting is scheduled for 20 January 2026.

A group of Dhaka University students forced Awami League-leaning teacher A K M Jamal Uddin to leave the campus after chasing him as he stepped out of the Faculty of Social Sciences’ teachers’ lounge. Around 1 pm on Thursday, as he and others came out of the building, a group of students led by DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A B Zubayer began chasing Jamal. A video circulating on social media shows Zubayer grabbing Jamal’s clothes on the staircase of the Social Sciences Building in an attempt to stop him. In an effort to free himself, Jamal pulled off his hoodie. When he ran down the stairs and tried to escape, Zubayer continued to chase him. Eventually, Jamal got into a car, while Zubayer kept pulling at the car door, attempting to drag him out. DU student Abdur Rahman said that students had gathered after hearing that several Awami-leaning teachers, including Sociology Department teachers A K M Jamal and Zeenat Huda, were holding a secret meeting in the Faculty of Social Sciences’ teachers’ lounge around noon. He said, “In July, A K M Jamal Uddin talked about giving students brushfire treatment. He wanted to keep Sheikh Hasina in power for five more years without elections. “These Awami-leaning teachers even formed a human chain against the students. Zeenat Huda and others were present at a meeting with Hasina at Ganabhaban as representatives of teachers. Students have boycotted them. Students of the department have even locked their office doors,” Abdur Rahman added. DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A B Zubayer wrote in a Facebook post, “Awami League’s wicked teacher A K M Jamal, who said the children of so-called self-proclaimed Razakars should be caught and given brushfire, along with Nil Dal leader Zeenat Huda and three other collaborators of fascists, came to campus today and joined a secret meeting. Upon receiving the news, we tried to detain them and hand them over to the police. But unfortunately, the scoundrels escaped in a vehicle they had prepared beforehand!”

The two-day “4th International Symposium on Quality Assurance in Engineering Education,” aimed at strengthening engineering education standards and aligning local accreditation systems with global benchmarks concluded on Tuesday. The closing session was held at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. Jointly organised by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE) and the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), the symposium brought together policymakers, international experts, academics and professionals from home and abroad. The second day opened with a keynote by Prof. Dr. Noor Yazdani, who presented a comparative overview of ABET and BAETE accreditation frameworks. He underscored the need for a robust quality assurance mechanism to ensure globally competitive engineering education. Prof. Dr. Anisul Haque highlighted how outcome-based evaluation can support sustainable development and foster entrepreneurship while Prof. Dr. Md Ashraful Alam stressed integrating sustainability principles into engineering curricula. Dr. Pru Howard and Dr. Rob Jarman jointly emphasized embedding social and technological perspectives in engineering education while Dr. Baishakhi Bose discussed challenges and opportunities in outcome-based education for the next generation of faculty members. On other hand,Prof. Dr. Swakkhar Shatabda and Dr. Sadid Muneer underscored the importance of adaptability, critical thinking and lifelong learning for students amid rapid technological change while Prof. Dr. Salekul Islam called for enhanced capacity-building initiatives for engineering educators. Speaking at the closing session, ICT Affairs Special Assistant Foyez Ahmed Tayyeb said Bangladesh still has significant scope for improvement in higher education. “Our universities have expanded in number, but quality has not progressed at the same pace,” he said. “International engagements like this symposium will help us elevate engineering education. We must ensure quality learning and invest more in producing skilled graduates.” Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said many river-management projects under the Water Development Board have historically harmed rivers, an issue she has long raised. “Now within government, I also see sincere efforts by many officials to protect public resources—though opportunities remain to do better,” she noted. “Dhaka has a detailed area plan (DAP) for liveability, yet it remains one of the least liveable cities. Engineers must embrace deeper social and environmental responsibilities; engineering alone cannot solve every problem.” BAETE Chairman Prof. Dr. Tanvir Manzur, who presided over the event, said the symposium aimed to harmonize Bangladesh’s engineering education with global standards and develop a sustainable quality assurance framework. “The two-day dialogue has given us a clear direction—strengthening accreditation, enhancing teacher competencies and guiding institutions toward international benchmarks,” he said. At the end of the event, organisers announced a strategic action plan focusing on expanding accreditation capacity, improving faculty training, strengthening university–industry collaboration and boosting international partnerships. They expressed hope that the outcomes will reinforce Bangladesh’s global standing in engineering education and pave the way for ensuring higher-quality education for future generations.

The intake test results for 2025–2026 undergraduate program under the Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola Unit) of Dhaka University were published on Tuesday evening, showing a pass rate of 11.25 percent. Result seekers can find their results following the website- admission.eis.du.ac.bd Besides, results can be obtained via SMS by typing 'DU FRT ˂roll no˃' from Teletalk, Robi, Airtel, or Banglalink numbers and sending it to 16321, then the result will be sent in a reply message. This year, 6,521 students applied for only 130 seats under the faculty while 5,352 candidates sat for the test, with 602 students passing. The successful students include 145 male and 457 female, with 11.25 percent of pass. The admission test was held November 29.

Thousands of migrants may have received UK study and work visas despite failing mandatory English tests due to a marking error, The Telegraph reported. Up to 80,000 candidates taking IELTS exams administered by the British Council between August 2023 and September 2025 received incorrect results, with many wrongly given passing marks. The error affected listening and reading sections, though only about one per cent of tests were impacted. IELTS has since contacted affected candidates with corrected scores and support. Compounding the issue, evidence of cheating has emerged in Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam, where leaked test papers were sold, enabling some migrants to secure visas without adequate English proficiency. As a result, several UK universities have suspended recruitment from Bangladesh and Pakistan over concerns about abuses. The errors have sparked safety concerns, particularly in the NHS and social care sector, where insufficient English skills could endanger patients. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the situation, warning that improperly approved visas risk integration failures and threaten public safety. The British Council, which co-owns IELTS with Cambridge University Press & Assessment and IDP Education, said the issue arose from a technical problem affecting a small number of tests. It emphasized that over 99 per cent of exams were unaffected and strengthened procedures to prevent recurrence. In Bangladesh, police arrested two people selling leaked IELTS papers for £1,000–£2,500. Similar cheating attempts occurred in Vietnam and China. The Home Office is awarding a new £816 million contract for English testing, with the British Council facing competition from other providers. An IELTS spokesperson said: “We have strict quality control procedures and have taken all necessary steps to prevent this issue from happening again. Affected candidates have been contacted and authorities informed.”