United News of Bangladesh

Professor Dr Mohammad Amir Hossain Bhuiyan has been relieved of his duties as Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Jamalpur Science and Technology University (JSTU). The Ministry of Education issued a notification in this regard on Saturday. The notification said the decision was approved by the President and Chancellor of the universities. In line with a condition stipulated in a previous notification issued on May 14, 2026, Prof Bhuiyan has been released from the post of Vice-Chancellor of Jamalpur Science and Technology University, it said. The notification also granted him permission to rejoin his substantive position as a professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University.

A leader of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal was allegedly beaten and injured inside a police station in Rangpur city by several police personnel, including the officer-in-charge (OC), prompting authorities to withdraw four officers and form an investigation committee. The incident took place around 10:30 pm on Wednesday at Kotwali Police Station. The victim, Rakibul Islam Rakib, is the member secretary of the Rangpur Sadar Upazila unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal. According to the victim and eyewitnesses, a young couple who had previously been reported missing through a General Diary (GD) filed by their family members was found and brought to Kotwali Police Station on Wednesday evening. Several Swechchhasebak Dal leaders later went to the station at the request of the couple’s families to help settle the matter. Rakib claimed that upon arriving at the station, he saw a police officer allegedly assaulting the couple. When he protested and attempted to inform a party leader over the phone, the OC, an SI and several other police personnel allegedly attacked and beat him. Following the incident, BNP and its associate body activists gathered in front of the police station. As tensions mounted, the station’s collapsible gate was closed. Rakib later spoke to journalists from inside the gate, visibly injured with blood stains on his body and swelling around one eye. Rakib alleged that despite repeatedly identifying himself as a Swechchhasebak Dal leader and a BNP activist who had suffered political persecution over the past 17 years, he was assaulted and left bleeding. He also claimed that two of his mobile phones were seized during the incident. Rangpur Metropolitan BNP Convener Shamsuzzaman Samu rushed to the police station after learning of the incident and arranged for Rakib’s treatment at a hospital. The recovered couple was released from the station around 11:30 pm. Condemning the incident, Rangpur district Swechchhasebak Dal Member Secretary Zakaria Islam Jim alleged that the mindset of some police personnel had not changed despite political changes in the country. He warned of a strong protest movement if action was not taken against those responsible within 24 hours. Later, Rangpur Metropolitan Police ordered three officers directly involved in the incident to be attached to the police lines. They are female constable Lima Soren, duty officer Meherunnesa and Sub-Inspector Masud Rana. The information was confirmed by the Metropolitan Police media cell late Wednesday night. Denying the allegations, Kotwali Police Station OC Azad Rahman said no one had been assaulted. According to him, police intervened only to stop an altercation between members of the two families of the recovered couple. Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud said a three-member probe committee had been formed to investigate the allegations. He confirmed that the OC and three other police personnel had been withdrawn pending the outcome of the investigation.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Sunday said the government is business-friendly but will not tolerate irregularities in the implementation of the primary school feeding programme. He said there is no scope to stockpile food supplied for students under the government primary school feeding programme, stressing that the food allocated for each day must be delivered to students on the same day. The state minister made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting on the implementation of the government primary school feeding programme held at the Primary Training Institute (PTI) in Mirpur, Dhaka. “If quality and nutritious food cannot be ensured for students under the school feeding programme, the government will not continue business relations with the supplier institutions concerned,” Bobby said. “We want the food to properly reach the children. If those responsible fail to act responsibly, neither their jobs nor businesses will remain secure in future,” he added. He also warned that strict action would be taken against any supplier found involved in irregularities in food quality, supply or distribution. “The basic condition of business is to meet demand properly. And the main objective of this project is to deliver nutritious food to children,” he said. The state minister said the school feeding programme is currently operating in 151 upazilas and the project, worth nearly Tk 5,500 crore, is equivalent to around one percent of the national budget. “If food cannot be delivered properly after taking responsibility for a Tk 5,500 crore project, it will amount to injustice to  people,” he said. He said all suppliers must submit a complete map of their supply chain within the next seven days, clearly mentioning from which factories products are sourced and where they are being distributed. The state minister also directed supplier institutions to appoint qualified food technicians to ensure food quality. Primary and Mass Education Secretary Md Sakhawat Hossain, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Shahina Ferdousi, Project Director of the Mid-Day Meal programme and other officials were present at the programme.

The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) on Saturday honoured engineer-members of parliament elected to the 13th Jatiya Sangsad at a reception marking the closing ceremony of its 78th founding anniversary, celebrated as Engineers Day. The event, held at the IEB auditorium at its headquarters in Ramna, Dhaka, also recognized Dr Engineer Mohammad Abdul Baki, recipient of the Independence Award 2026 for his contributions to research and training. Engineer-MPs felicitated at the event included Engineer Md Ashraf Uddin (Bakul), MP for Narsingdi-5; Engineer Moinul Islam Khan, MP for Manikganj-2; and reserved-seat MPs Engineer Sanzida Islam (Tuli), Engineer Mahbuba Hakim Camelia and Engineer Mardia Momtaz. The guests were presented with honorary crests and ceremonial shawls in recognition of their contributions and public service. Speaking as chief guest, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, MP, described the IEB as one of Bangladesh’s most prestigious institutions, saying it has played an important role not only in the professional development of engineers but also in the country’s overall progress. “The IEB has consistently contributed to the nation’s development journey, and we expect this role to continue in the future,” he said. Highlighting the role of engineers in national transformation, the minister said development should not be confined to infrastructure alone but must also include integrity, accountability and visionary planning. He said engineers, as an important segment of the country’s educated population, have historically played active roles in democratic movements and national causes. Referring to recent political developments, he said engineers would have a critical role in translating aspirations for democratic rights and sustainable development into reality. He also emphasized the need for professionalism, merit and ethical practices to address alleged irregularities and inefficiencies in development projects in previous years. In his welcome remarks, Prof Dr Engineer Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan, honorary general secretary of IEB, said the institution had organized month-long seminars and programs to mark its 78th founding anniversary. He said discussions held throughout the celebration focused on national development, engineering education, technological advancement and other issues of public importance. Presiding over the programme, Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Riju), president of IEB and chairman of RAJUK, said the IEB has continued to contribute to state-building and national development through professional capacity building and by uniting engineers beyond political affiliations to work for technological progress and the country’s broader interests. Among others, Engineer Khan Manjur Morshed, vice-president (Academic & International Affairs); Engineer Shaikh Al Amin, vice-president (Human Resources Development); Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, vice-president (Services & Welfare); Engineer A T M Tanbir-ul Hasan (Tamal), vice-president (Administration & Finance); Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Rasel, honorary assistant general secretary (Admin & Finance); Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani, honorary assistant general secretary (Service & Welfare); and Engineer Md Noor Amin, honorary assistant general secretary (Human Resources Development), were present at the programme. The event was moderated by Engineer KM Asaduzzaman, member secretaryof the organizing committee and honorary secretary of IEB Dhaka Centre. A vote of thanks was delivered by Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, convener of the organizing committee and vice-president (Services &  Welfare) of IEB.

Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, professor and former chairman of the Department of Japanese Studies at Dhaka University, has been appointed a full-time member of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education issued a notification in this regard on Saturday. According to the notification, Dr Mamun has been appointed as a UGC member for the next four years under the University Grants Commission Act, 1973. The appointment will take effect from the date of joining. He has already submitted his joining letter to the UGC chairman, the notice said. Dr Mamun has also made notable contributions to education and research at the international level. In 2024, he received the Fulbright Research Professorship at Adelphi University in the United States. In 2023, he served as a Japan Foundation Fellow at the International University of Japan. He earned his PhD in International Economic Development from the University of Huddersfield, UK, in 2020. In 2018, he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods from the same university. He also received a Certificate in Law from the University of Northumbria, UK, in 2009 and holds an MBA in Marketing. Earlier, he completed a postgraduate diploma from the Department of Japanese Studies at Dhaka University. He also obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Department of Sociology at the university. His research interests include Japanese studies, development planning, international development cooperation, development project management, aid effectiveness, development sociology and political sociology.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Wednesday said the government will introduce major reforms to the primary education curriculum with an emphasis on practical skills alongside academic learning. “The new curriculum will be designed in a way so that children can learn through stories and creativity and enjoyment,” he said, while addressing the national-level Holode Pakhi Neel Komol Award-2026 programme, organised by the Bangladesh Girl Guides Association in the capital. Bangladesh, UK eye stronger partnership in education, skills development Bobby Hajjaj said the government aims to build students of future Bangladesh not only through textbook-based education but also through leadership, civic responsibility, morality and social awareness. “With the new curriculum, the children will be taught not only academic education, but also practical skills,” he said. The State Minister said the new curriculum will help students learn how to become good citizens, keep their schools, homes and surroundings clean, and behave responsibly towards society and the country. Noting that childhood is a time for joyful learning, he said, “This is not the age to burden children with excessive pressure or oversized books.” Bobby Hajjaj said the government has undertaken extensive reforms in the education sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to develop a skilled, confident and responsible generation. He said the government is implementing a nutritious mid-day meal programme for students at over 65,000 government primary schools across the country. Congratulating the recipients of the Neel Komol Award, the State Minister said such achievements will continue to inspire students across the country. A total of 57 Holode Pakhi members from across the country received the Neel Komol Award at the event chaired by National Commissioner of the Bangladesh Girl Guides Association Kazi Zebunnesa Begum.

A writ petition was filed with the High Court on Sunday seeking its directives to  investigate the role of former Chief Adviser of interim government Prof Yunus and 23 former advisers in measles vaccination progrmame. It also sought travel ban on  Prof Yunus and the former advisers. Barrister M Ashraful Islam, a lawyer of the Supreme Court, filed the petition with the HC bench concerned. Allegations have been brought against them as were involved in shifting measles vaccination from the government management to the private sector. Health, Home , Cabinet Division, Public Administration secretaries and Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) were made respondent to the petition. Barrister Ashraful Islam, said a sudden and severe outbreak of the once-eradicated measles disease has spread across the country. Over 100 children have already died while many others infected with measles are undergoing treatment in hospitals, said the writ petition. A legal notice has been served to the government demanding the formation of an investigation committee over allegations of involvement in the ‘unethical and criminal attempt’ to shift the measles vaccination from state management to the private sector.

Prof. ABM Shahidul Islam, a senior professor of Marketing Department at Dhaka University, formally joined as the new Vice-Chancellor of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) on Saturday. He began his tenure by placing a wreath at the mazar of Mawlana Bhashani. After offering prayers, he signed the visitors' book, sharing his reflections on the late national leader. Later, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Anwarul Azim Akhand welcomed the new VC and formally handed over the responsibilities. Following the handover, Prof. Islam held an introductory meeting with the university’s deans, registrar, departmental chairmen, provosts, and heads of offices. The President and Chancellor of the university appointed Prof. Islam for a four-year term on May 14, 2026. A native of Tangail, Prof. Islam’s appointment has been met with local enthusiasm. He previously secured the 4th position in the Dhaka Board during his HSC at Government Maulana Mohammad Ali College in Tangail. With a teaching and administrative career spanning 40 years, Prof. Islam is a Commonwealth Scholar who earned his M.Phil from the University of Strathclyde, UK, and his PhD from Dhaka University. This marks his second tenure as a Vice-Chancellor, having previously served at Leading University in Sylhet from 2006 to 2009. He has also held several high-profile positions, including Director of the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) at Dhaka University and Chairman of the Center for Development and Policy Research. In his initial reaction after joining, the new Vice-Chancellor sought the cooperation of teachers, students, and staff to ensure the overall development of the university. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing research quality and maintaining a modern, "session-jam-free" academic environment, according to a press release.

The regional phase of the Bangladesh Cyber Security Olympiad and National High School Programming Competition-2026 was held at Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur. The competition took place at the university's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday. Begum Rokeya University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali attended as the chief guest. The competition was divided into different segments for smooth conduct, ICT Quiz- 6th-8th Junior, 9th-10th Senior and Cyber Security Quiz- 6th-8th Junior, 9th-10th Secondary and 11th-12th Higher Secondary. And in the Programming Contest, 6th-8th Junior, 9th-10th Secondary and 11th-12th Higher Secondary categories were included. According to the organizing source, this Olympiad is being organized with the aim of increasing awareness, skill development and technology-based knowledge among the youth of the country on cyber security. Students from various schools of Rangpur division participated in it. And the students participated in programming, cyber security and quiz competitions. The organizer of the competition and the Head of the Department of BRUR’s CSE Department, Professor Dr. Md. Elias Pramanik, said, "I have noticed the interest of many students, parents and teachers. I think if such competitions are organized every time in our country, the creative ideas among our students will be awakened." BRUR Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said it is not possible for everyone to win the competition; however, success will definitely come one day, whether today or tomorrow. "Congratulations to those who won today and for those who didn't, I believe failure is the path to success." The event was organized in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Division (ICT Division), the National Cyber Security Agency and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.

Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations will begin on January 7 while Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations will start on June 6 from next year. Education  Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon disclosed the schedule of the public examinations at a press conference on Thursday. SSC and its equivalent examinations will be concluded on February 6 while HSC and its equivalent examinations will end on July 13, next year, he said. “The SSC and HSC examinations are extremely important. Approximately 20 lakh students appear in SSC and equivalent examinations and 20 lakh in HSC and equivalent examinations. The education and future of these 40 lakh students are extremely important,” he said. “We are trying to synchronise the system in a way that gradually closes the gap where students lose nearly a year waiting for the SSC examinations and another year waiting for the HSC examinations. We are considering December as the end of the academic year and the examination month and we have been moving forward accordingly,” said the minister. This year, the HSC examinations will begin from July 2, he said. Asked when the results would be published, the minister said, “In 2001, I fixed the timeframe at two months. No one would be allowed to delay the results by even a single day beyond that. That practice is still being followed.” However, as the system has now become more advanced, the timeframe will be shortened further, not extended, he said. “I have made it clear in my remarks that we do not want to keep any gap between the publication of results and the admission process. We want students to get admitted immediately after the results are published,” he said.