United News of Bangladesh

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) discipline at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) continued boycotting classes and examinations on Thurday, demanding the reinstatement of the DVM degree. The students first announced a suspension of all classes and exams on March 4, organizing protest marches and other activities to press their demand. On Thursday, DVM faculty members held discussions with the students, but failing to reach a satisfactory solution, the students decided to maintain their movement. Earlier, on February 26, DVM students submitted a memorandum to the university’s Vice-Chancellor requesting the reinstatement of their DVM degree. The petition stated that the students were previously enrolled as regular DVM students, but following a decision by the university’s 54th (emergency) Academic Council on September 3, 2025, the DVM and Animal Husbandry degrees were annulled and merged under the BSc in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry program. Subsequently, the students filed a writ petition (No. 17318/2025) in the High Court, which declared the separate annulment of the DVM and BSc (Hons) degrees unlawful and ordered that the programs be run independently in parallel. The university appealed, but on March 11, the Chamber Court overturned the stay granted on March 5, allowing students to continue classes in their respective degrees. Following the court verdict, students renewed their demand for the full restoration of the DVM degree under the previous curriculum. However, due to the lack of effective action from the university administration, DVM students have been compelled to continue boycotting classes and examinations. One student said, Our demand is clear — we want our previous DVM curriculum reinstated. Unfortunately, the university administration has repeatedly delayed action under various pretexts, diverting our legitimate demand. We are given verbal assurances that have no practical basis. The student added, We make it clear that until the university issues an official notification restoring the DVM degree, we will continue our movement to safeguard students’ rights. If our demand is not met, we may take stronger measures. We believe in peaceful and legitimate protest, but we are ready to escalate if necessary. Repeated attempts to reach the university Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam, by phone were unsuccessful.

Many students at Jagannath University (JnU) are attending classes and sitting for exams wearing helmets following an incident in which chunks of ceiling plaster fell and injured two students. On Wednesday morning, during a class in a seminar room of the Mathematics Department, plaster suddenly fell from the ceiling, leaving two students from the 2024–25 academic session — Tanvir Niaz Fahim and Mahfuzur Rahman Mitul — injured. The incident has sparked widespread panic among students. Students said several academic buildings at the university have long been in a risky condition, with multiple instances of ceiling plaster falling in different rooms, including a previous incident in a teachers’ room in the same department. Amid growing safety concerns, students of the 18th batch of the Mathematics Department have started wearing helmets during classes and examinations. A student, Naeem, said there is no way to predict when plaster might fall. “So, we are forced to use helmets for our own safety,” he added. Another student, Nayan, said, “Yesterday, my two classmates were injured, yet the administration has not taken any action. Classes and exams are still ongoing. Sitting in such risky classrooms makes us feel unsafe, so I came to take the exam wearing a helmet.” Meanwhile, leaders of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) criticised the administration, alleging that the authorities have long neglected the condition of vulnerable buildings. They warned that a major accident could occur without immediate renovation. Students also said many classrooms are unfit for use, but academic activities are continuing there due to a lack of alternatives. They also demanded the rapid implementation of the university’s second campus project in Keraniganj. Chief Engineer Helal Uddin Patowary said risky areas have already been identified and renovation plans are underway. He added that cracks in the main structure were not visible earlier due to false ceilings, which are now being removed. Design and cost estimates for the renovation of the Science Building have also been prepared, he said.

To encourage a reading culture among students nationwide, bKash has contributed 367,520 books to the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro’s (BSK) Book Reading Program over the past 12 years. As part of its ongoing efforts to create an enlightened society, this year alone, over 40,000 books were presented to Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, the Founder and Chief Executive of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (Retd), the Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer at bKash, officially presented the books during an event held at Kendro’s auditorium in the city on Tuesday, said a handout on Wednesday. Since 2014, nearly 3,000 educational institutions have received these books, reaching over 3.4 million readers. This year's distribution will target 330 educational institutions, including 80 new schools participating in the book-reading program. For several decades, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro has been running this program at educational institutions throughout the country. The initiative aims to introduce students to important works of both local and international literature beyond the academic curriculum. Alongside building reading habits, the program plays a significant role in shaping students’ intellectual and moral development. To make the program more engaging, quiz competitions on contemporary topics are organized at district and upazila levels for students from grades 6 to 10. Winners of these competitions are awarded books and certificates. For 13 consecutive years, bKash has remained associated with the reading program, aiming to strengthen and expand its mission to cultivate enlightened generations. Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, the Founder and Chief Executive of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, said that a positive environment can lead to the creation of enlightened individuals. bKash has collaborated with the organization’s reading program, which emphasizes knowledge cultivation, the development of reading habits, and the nurturing of enlightened minds. The enduring partnership between the two organizations for such initiatives is exceptional and will continue. Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (Retd), Chief External and Corporate Affairs Officer of bKash, remarked, “Enlightened individuals contribute to a developed nation. One of the primary ways to become enlightened is to read more books and acquire knowledge beyond academic teachings. As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts, bKash has a long-standing association with the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro’s book-reading program to foster an educated and intellectually enlightened generation” Among others, Executive Director of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Khandakar Md Asaduzzaman; Joint Director (Program) Mesbah Uddin Ahmed Sumon; EVP and Head of Regulatory & Corporate Affairs Department of bKash Humayun Kabir, and Vice President Sayma Ahsan were present on the occasion.

The government has decided to introduce music education alongside regular academic studies in educational institutions from primary to high school level, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said on Tuesday. He said the initiative will be implemented through the Ministry of Cultural Affairs using a cluster-based approach, under which music instructors will travel within upazilas to provide lessons across multiple institutions. The minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists after attending a programme organised by the US Embassy at Dhaka University. He said the government has already taken a decision to expand cultural activities at school level in every district and upazila. “Alongside academic education, our ministry will ensure music education in all institutions, from primary to high school, through cluster-based outreach within upazilas,” he said. He also noted that while the Ministry of Youth and Sports arranges sports competitions, similar music competitions are being organised to promote cultural engagement among students. Replying to a question about the cancellation of music teacher appointments at upazila and district levels during the interim government, the minister said music teachers were not available in all institutions and were mostly concentrated in district-level schools. He said the interim administration, not being an elected government, was not directly accountable to the people. While the world embraces music education, Bangladesh seen stepping backwards “During that period, some good decisions were made, along with some that, in our view, could have been avoided. However, I would not say those were intentional,” he added. Responding to a query about whether this year’s Pahela Baishakh celebrations would be held under the name “Ananda Shobhajatra” or the traditional “Mangal Shobhajatra,” the minister said the government aims to uphold traditional values and cultural practices. He also said that despite differences in ethnicity, identity, religion, caste and ideology, people in Bangladesh will continue to move forward in unity. “Political differences will remain, but people will continue to coexist within the same society,” he said.

Comprehensive preparations for the celebration of Pahela Baishakh and Bengali New Year 1433 officially commenced today at the Faculty of Fine Arts, DU (University of Dhaka). Professor Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) of DU, inaugurated the preparatory activities as the chief guest. The event was presided by Prof. Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts while Ekushey Padak-winning artist Professor Dr. Abdus Sattar was present as special guest. Also present at the event were proctor Prof. Saifuddin Ahmed, assistant proctors, faculty members, students, cultural personalities, and various artists. During her speech, Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha thanked the teachers, students, and alumni for their early initiative in organizing the festivities. Obaidul Islam appointed Dhaka University VC, Mamun Ahmed named UGC chairman She noted that several committees have already begun their preliminary tasks to ensure the event's success. "The Dhaka University administration is working tirelessly to ensure that the Bengali New Year is celebrated in a peaceful, disciplined, and joyous atmosphere," she stated, while calling for full cooperation from all stakeholders.  

The ‘C’ Unit admission test for undergraduate first-year students was held smoothly at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) under the cluster system, marking the sixth consecutive year the university has participated alongside other public universities. A total of 1,699 students applied for the ‘C’ Unit, with more than 86.24% attendance, according to exam officials. The GST-coordinated integrated admission test for the commerce stream under ‘C’ Unit took place today, March 27. Upcoming tests include ‘B’ Unit (Humanities) on April 3 and ‘A’ Unit (Science) on April 10, with the architecture practical (drawing) scheduled from 3 pm to 4 pm on the same day. JUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Majid confirmed that the ‘C’ Unit admission test was conducted peacefully and successfully. He extended gratitude to all teachers, officers, and staff for ensuring a smooth process. According to the centre coordinator and Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Dr. Md. Korban Ali, due to the relatively low number of candidates, the test was held at a single centre within the university. For the convenience of students, digital banners were placed across the campus indicating roll numbers, exam centres, and buildings. Volunteers, including BNCC, Rover Scouts, and other committees, assisted at building entrances to support examinees. JUST took all necessary preparations in advance to maintain order and ensure a fair examination environment. Sufficient law enforcement personnel were deployed, and the Vice-Chancellor, accompanied by Registrar Prof. Dr. Hosen Al Mamun, inspected the exam halls after the tests began.

Ten departments of Dhaka University have secured places in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2026 for the first time in the institution’s history, according to the UK-based education and research organization Quacquarelli Symonds. This is the highest number of departments from any university in Bangladesh to feature in any edition of the QS World University Subject Rankings till now. Last year, nine DU departments were ranked. QS published this year’s subject ranking list on Wednesday, March 25. The list is released every March. As in previous years, the ranking is divided into two categories. First, the broad subject category, which includes five major areas. Among these, DU secured positions in three categories. Second, the narrow subject category, which covers 55 specific disciplines. DU's10 departments featured in this category. Some of the most notable ones were: According to the QS subject ranking report, in the broad subject category of Social Sciences & Management, DU ranked 371st globally, the highest in Bangladesh. Within this category, Accounting & Finance ranked between 301–375 globally; Economics & Econometrics between 301–350; and Business & Management Studies between 401–450. In the Natural Sciences category, DU was the only university from Bangladesh to be ranked, placing between 501–550 globally. Within this category, Chemistry ranked 551–600; Environmental Sciences 401–450; and Physics & Astronomy 501–550. Obaidul Islam appointed Dhaka University VC, Mamun Ahmed named UGC chairman DU did not secure a position in the broad subject category of Life Sciences & Medicine. However, in the narrow subject area of Biological Sciences, DU ranked between 651–700 globally. In the Engineering & Technology category, DU ranked 364th worldwide. Within this category, Computer Science & Information Systems ranked 551–600; Electrical & Electronic Engineering 501–550; and Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering 501–575.  

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said the government plans to complete the SSC and HSC examinations by December 31 each year to prevent loss of valuable time in students’ educational lives. Speaking at a view-exchange meeting at the Ministry on Wednesday, the minister said that currently students take the SSC exam the year after completing Class 10, and face a similar delay for the HSC exam. “This results in a loss of about two years in a student’s academic life. This is a big loss for both students and the nation,” he said. The minister emphasized the importance of a cheating-free examination environment for developing students’ talent. “The government will continue to ensure fair exams through active teacher participation. A fair examination system will be established in divisional cities through consultation with the Central Secretary and local administration,” he added. The minister also called for an investigation into delays in taking administrative action against the Central Secretary at Khagakhribari Dwimukhi High School in Dimla, Nilphamari, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminate irregularities during examinations. He instructed all education boards to assess the actual conditions and challenges of upcoming SSC exam centers. In the meeting, it was decided that a common question paper will be used for all boards in the 2026 HSC examination, said a PID handout. The mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in each examination room to ensure transparency was also discussed. Besides, a high-level committee will be formed to examine the necessity and feasibility of reducing the number of subjects in future SSC and HSC exams. The meeting, chaired by Abdul Khalek, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, was attended by Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Division, senior ministry officials, and chairmen of all education boards.

A number of people were injured in a violent clash between two rival groups of villagers during an arbitration meeting (shalish) in Sadar upazila of Chapainawabganj district on Tuesday. At least 50 crude bombs were exploded and a number of houses were looted and set on fire during the clash. Gautam Kumar Biswas, superintendent of Chapainawabganj Police, said the arbitration was arranged at Kuthalipara village over settling a longstanding dispute between two groups of villagers around 11am.   Tensions escalated during the meeting following an altercation between supporters of Ranihati union chairman Rahmat Ali on one side, and followers of a former member known as Chandu, triggering a clash. The two sides hurled more than 50 crude bombs at each other, turning the area into a battlefield. A number of people were injured  - two of them critically, who had to be taken to a local hospital Several houses were also vandalised, looted and set on fire during the bedlam that lasted three hours. On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Additional police have been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest. Legal action will be taken against those involved in the clash, said SP Gautam.

Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced on Monday. The announcement was made during a briefing at the Ministry of Education. Prof Obaidul Islam is currently serving as the vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Open University. He was appointed to that post on September 12, 2024 following the fall of the Awami League government during the uprising. He is also the current president of the University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB). A professor of the Physics Department at the University of Dhaka, Obaidul Islam earlier served as the general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association and also led the pro-BNP teachers’ platform known as the ‘White Panel’. He completed his bachelor degree in 1987 and master degree in 1988 from the Physics Department of Dhaka University and later joined the same department as a faculty member. He earned his PhD from University of Toyama in Japan in 1999. Earlier, after the fall of the Awami League government during the 2024 uprising, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan of the Development Studies Department was appointed vice-chancellor of Dhaka University. On February 10, two days before the national election, he announced his intention to step down from the post at a press conference. Six days after the formation of the new government led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Prof Niaz submitted his resignation on February 22 but continued to discharge duties until the appointment of a new vice-chancellor. Meanwhile, Professor Mamun Ahmed has been appointed the new chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. The announcement was also made by Education Adviser Ehsanul Haque Milon at the same briefing. Prof Mamun Ahmed, from the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department of Dhaka University, had been serving as the university’s pro-vice-chancellor. He is a member of the advisory council of Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman and president of the Nationalist Social and Cultural Organisation. He replaces Professor S M A Faiz as chairman of the University Grants Commission.