United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka University (DU) authorities have suspended all examinations and classes scheduled for Sunday, citing concerns for the safety and mental well-being of students, teachers, and staff in the wake of recent earthquakes. Further decisions will be announced after assessing the situation, the university’s examination control office said on Saturday. Meanwhile, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) general secretary SM Farhad urged the administration to temporarily close the university. “Normal activities cannot continue like this. Residential students are living in constant fear. The university must have expert engineers assess the residential buildings and publish their report before the students,” he said. Farhad added that unsafe buildings and rooms should be declared unfit for use, and students relocated to safe areas. Other structures must be repaired promptly. Times Higher Edu Ranking: Dhaka University climbs 200 places He also called for online classes to prevent academic disruption during the closure and urged that postponed exams be conducted as soon as the university reopens. “If the university neglects student safety or fails to take emergency measures, DUCSU, along with the students, will push the authorities to ensure proper safety arrangements,” the statement said.

The government has moved to significantly strengthen higher agricultural education and research capacity with the proposed “Infrastructure Development of Gazipur Agricultural University” project. The project, involving a total cost of Tk 567.29 crore, has been undertaken by the Secondary and Higher Education Division, with implementation shared between the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Gazipur Agricultural University. The three-year undertaking will run from October 2025 to September 2028, according to the project document. According to the project summary, the initiative seeks to develop accreditable laboratories, modern classrooms and expanded facilities in line with the university’s academic master plan. The goal is to produce skilled graduates and future entrepreneurs capable of contributing to the country’s rapidly evolving agriculture sector. The project includes construction of two fully equipped academic buildings featuring laboratories, classrooms and galleries; vertical expansion of an existing faculty building; and establishment of an international-standard sports complex to support students’ physical and mental well-being. It also aims to procure specialised laboratory equipment, office machinery, classroom furniture and furnishings for academic buildings, residential halls and research facilities. To support field-based learning, the project will acquire vehicles to facilitate student tours of research institutions, extension agencies and other practical learning sites. Agriculture remains one of Bangladesh’s most vital sectors, with technological advances significantly boosting production in recent decades. Officials say the country now requires highly skilled and technologically proficient manpower to drive further innovation, meet rising food demand and respond to climate challenges. In this context, enhancing Gazipur Agricultural University’s research and teaching facilities has become essential. The proposed infrastructure development is expected to enable students and researchers to engage in high-quality scientific work, contributing to national agricultural productivity, industrial growth, technology development and sustainable progress. The initiative aligns with the Eighth Five-Year Plan, which emphasises improving the quality of higher education, strengthening science and technology-based learning and developing world-class research facilities. Gazipur, home to the university, has been selected as the project site due to its established reputation as a centre of agricultural education. Authorities note that improved infrastructure will allow students and researchers to undertake impactful research, helping build a technologically competent workforce capable of supporting the nation’s development goals. A feasibility study was carried out by SHELTECH Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, as per the government’s 2022 guidelines for project formulation and processing. Findings from the study were incorporated into the Development Project Proposal (DPP), with details outlined on pages 320–330. The project’s total cost of Tk 567.2917 crore will be disbursed over four fiscal years, with Tk 56.72 crore allocated for FY 2025–26, Tk 198.55 crore each for FY 2026–27 and FY 2027–28, and Tk 113.45 crore for FY 2028–29. The Planning Commission noted that the project would enhance the university’s capacity to deliver quality education and research, create skilled graduates, support physical and intellectual development of students and strengthen academic dynamism. It emphasised that the project would play a vital role in improving the country’s agriculture-driven economy.  

Pearson Edexcel, a global leader in education and the UK’s largest awarding body, in partnership with the British Council, hosted the 12th Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards (OPLA) on Friday to honour exceptional students in Bangladesh who excelled in their International Primary, International Lower Secondary, International GCSE and International A Level examinations in 2025. The event was organised at the prestigious Hall of Fame, Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, Dhaka. Kathryn Booth, Director, Pearson School Qualifications, attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while Maxim Raimann, Exams Director Bangladesh, British Council and Sakib Ershad, Director, Trade and Investment, British High Commission Bangladesh were present as special guests. This year, 736 students were recognized for their outstanding performance. Among them, 24 students earned the World Highest and 4 students were awarded with Asia Highest awards, while 41 students secured the highest marks in Bangladesh. The awardees included 21 iPrimary, 1 iLowerSecondary, 456 International GCSE, and 183 International A-level students. The event included addresses from Kathryn Booth, Director, Pearson School Qualifications, Maxim Raimann, Exams Director Bangladesh, British Council, Sakib Ershad, Director, Trade and Investment, British High Commission Bangladesh, Abdullah Al Mamun Liton, Regional Development Manager, Pearson Bangladesh and Nepal and Jannatul Ferdous Sigma, Regional Development Manager, Pearson Bangladesh. They congratulated the students and expressed their gratitude to the teachers and parents for their contribution to the success of the students. During her speech, Kathryn Booth encouraged the students to be lifelong learners and use their talents to make a difference in the world around them, saying, “Today, on this auspicious occasion, we are celebrating the success of the bright young minds of Bangladesh as a part of Pearson. The recognition the awardees receive today for their outstanding achievements is both a certificate of excellence and a credential for their future. At Pearson, we encourage students to learn, to think, and to develop real transferable skills to prepare themselves for what lies ahead. You will now move forward to the next stage of life and encounter new perspectives and experiences that will enrich your understanding. I urge you to keep an open mind and a curious spirit. Stay connected with your teachers, and use your talents to make a difference in the world around you.” “Youth brings curiosity, adaptability, and purpose; age brings experience, stability, and wisdom. When we learn from one another, we all grow, said Maxim Raimann, Exams Director Bangladesh, British Council, during his speech. “At the British Council, we build bridges of understanding through education, helping every generation rise together. Thus, as you move forward, stay true to your younger selves and keep that flame of youth burning bright.” Abdullah Al Mamun Liton and Jannatul Ferdous Sigma from Pearson Bangladesh discussed how Pearson Edexcel qualifications continue to open doors for Bangladeshi students, allowing them to pursue higher education at top institutions worldwide. Since 2012, this award ceremony has recognized more than 8,000 achievers.

At least five students of Dhaka University were seriously injured after jumping from different dormitory buildings in panic during an earthquake. In total, reports indicate that at least 10 students across the university have been injured, several of whom have been admitted to hospitals. The earthquake struck at 10:38 a.m. on Friday. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, it measured 5.7 on the Richter scale, with the epicenter in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. A student named Tanzir Hossain was severely injured after jumping from the fourth floor of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall. The university’s proctor, Saifuddin Ahmed, said three other students from the same hall were also injured after jumping. Meanwhile, a student of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall was injured after jumping, resulting in a broken leg. Several buildings of Dhaka University suffered plaster damage due to the earthquake. Helal Uddin, a student of Mohsin Hall, described the incident on Facebook, writing that he had been lying down when the earthquake started. As it continued for a long time, he felt paralyzed with fear. Disoriented, he ran to the rooftop. He saw several students jumping from the third and fourth floors and getting injured. Some were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Bangladesh earthquake: Over 100 injured in Narsingdi In a Facebook post, DUCSU vice president Abu Shadik Kayem wrote, “We have repeatedly demanded that the university administration repair various risky residential and academic buildings, including different halls. Plaster has fallen from the roofs of many buildings. Cracks have appeared in several walls. Due to the administration’s negligence and slow progress in ensuring safe housing, the lives of Dhaka University students have become severely threatened during natural disasters.” He added, “We do not want to witness another ‘October tragedy’. We do not want a repeat of roof collapses. The university must urgently repair residential and academic buildings and construct new ones.”    

A delegation from RUDN University met Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin on Wednesday. Three professors of one of Russia’s leading universities arrived in Dhaka for a two-week visit. During their stay, they visited several Bangladeshi universities, delivered lectures about Russia, and held a seminar on teaching Russian as a foreign language. At the meeting, the professors shared their impressions of Bangladesh, highlighting the warm welcome they received from local academia and students, as well as their keen interest in Russia. RUDN University is renowned for its multiethnic student community and openness to international applicants. According to the Embassy, about 100 Bangladeshi students are currently studying there.

Deputy registrar of Dhaka University Mohammad Lovelu Mollah was detained allegedly for posting a photocard on his facebook page over the verdict of Sheikh Hasina. The proctorial team and DU students handed the deputy registrar to Shahbagh Police Station on Monday night, said Khalid Monsur, officer-in-charge of the police station. Legal action will be taken against him, he added. Lovelu posted a photocard featuring Sheikh Hasina on his Facebook page with the caption “I don’t care.”   Earlier, Lovelu uploaded a video on facebook saying, “I’m being detained and arrested without committing any crime. I’ve done nothing wrong. Please look after me. Sheikh Hasina will return, Bangladesh will smile. Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.” Lovelu had been involved in politics of Bangladesh Chhatra League politics during his student life. Committee formed to draft framework for student politics at Dhaka University DU Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed said they have taken administrative measures against Lovelu. “He had been made OSD (Officer on Special Duty) and relieved of all responsibilities. We will sit again and make further decisions regarding his status,” he said.

The Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), currently dominated by members of a panel backed by the Jamaat e Islami student front Shibir, brought out a joyous procession and distributed sweets on the campus soon after the delivery of the judgment of the International Crimes Tribunal, awarding capital punishment to deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a case filed on charges of crimes against humanity. The elected post-holders of DUCSU and general students brought out the procession from the Teachers and Students’ Center (TSC) of the university and ended in front of the DUCSU building on Monday afternoon. During the procession they chanted slogans like ‘Ei muhurte khobor elo, khuni Hasinar fashi holo,’ (News just arrived, Murderer Hasina to Hang), ‘Ekta ekta League dhor, dhoira dhoira jele bhor,’ (One by One Catch the League, Catch them and throw in Jail) and others. Later, Mosaddek Ali Ibn Mohammad, Literary and Cultural Secretary of DUCSU distributed sweets among the people at the TSC. “We believe that this verdict reflects a measure of justice. A fuller reflection of justice will come when the Awami League--is banned,” he said. He also urged the government take steps to execute the verdict after bringing back Sheikh Hasina to the country soon. DUCSU protests against AL's 'conspiracies to destabilise’ the state Meanwhile, Transport Secretary of DUCSU Asif Abdullah, said, “For the long seventeen years, Bangladesh was run through abduction, killing, murder, and repression under Indian hegemony. Today we have received justice for that.” “The verdict we received today is not the final step. That killer Hasina must be brought back to the country very quickly and the execution must be carried out. To ensure this execution, everyone must remain on the streets,” he said.    

Jahangirnagar University Central Student Union (JUCSU) has nominated five representatives including Vice President (VP) and General Secretary (GS) to serve on the university’s Senate. The decision was taken during JUCSU’s third executive meeting on Sunday night, based on the consents from other elected members.  The nominated representatives are VP Abdur Rashid Jitu, GS Md Mazharul Islam, Joint GS (male) Ferdous Al Hasan, Joint GS (female) Ayesha Siddika Meghla, and Environment and Nature Conservation Secretary Md. Safayet Mir. After the meeting, GS Mazharul said the five representatives were selected based on the majority opinion of the elected members and their representation in the Senate is an important aspect of JUCSU. JUCSU: Newly-elected VP Zitu vows to end sycophantic student politics During the meeting, the executive committee also discussed matters including the trial process for teachers accused in the July attack, academic reforms, grade tampering, various university development projects, and JUCSU’s funds. Under the Jahangirnagar University Act 1973, JUCSU has the authority to nominate five student representatives to the Senate.    

To maintain peace, order, and security on the Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus, the university’s highest policy-making body, the Syndicate, has imposed a ban on all events taking place after 10pm. The directive was announced in an urgent press release signed by the university’s acting registrar Dr. ABM Azizur Rahman on Saturday evening. The notice said that, “In the interest of peace, order, and security on the Jahangirnagar University campus, any event after 10 pm has been banned until further orders.” It further warned that action would be taken against any organizers who continue events beyond the permitted time, in accordance with existing university regulations and state law.

Students of Dhaka University’s Chemistry Department have accused Professor Md Ershad Halim of sexually harassing several male students. The allegations were raised at a press conference held on Thursday night at the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) office, where students demanded the professor’s permanent expulsion and the highest punishment under the law. The university authorities have already instructed Prof Ershad to refrain from all academic and administrative activities after two students filed complaints of sexual harassment. At the press conference, Ovik Chakraborty, a student of the 2022–23 session, said, “Such a psychopath, rapist and pervert exists in the department! The students cannot accept him as a teacher.” DU extends deadline for undergraduate admission application and payment He said seniors had previously warned them about Prof Ershad, but they did not take the warnings seriously. According to Ovik, “Students with vulnerabilities — academic, financial or mental — were his targets. He would first call them to his room, then to his house. He phoned students at midnight without reason and talked nonsense.” Describing a recent incident involving a victim, Ovik said, “One day, Prof Ershad called the victim to his house, asked him to take off his shirt and undressed himself. He then began physically and sexually assaulting him. Afterwards, he started blackmailing the victim.” He added, “On another day, the victim did not pick up his calls. Prof Ershad phoned repeatedly from different numbers and continued blackmailing him. Eventually, the victim went to his house, where he was tortured more severely throughout the night and threatened to remain silent.” Fazlul Haq Hall Vice-President and Chemistry Department student Khandakar Muhammad Abu Naim, who was also present, said, “This is a threat not only to Dhaka University but to the entire country. He must be taken into custody under the law as soon as possible.”