United News of Bangladesh

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has announced a re-schedule for the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (SUCSU) and Hall Parliament elections, with voting now set for January 20. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Abul Mukit Mohammad Mokaddes announced the new schedule on Monday night. As per the revised timeline, the draft voter list will be published on November 26, followed by the completion of all procedural steps before the final list of candidates is released on December 11. Voting will take place from 9am to 4pm on January 20. The Election Commissioner said the polls were deferred in response to students’ demands. Earlier, on November 14, SUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury announced December 17 as the election date. The initial schedule was then declared on November 16 by the Chief Election Commissioner. However, on Sunday afternoon (Nov 23), Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, spokesperson for the SUCSU Election Commission, unexpectedly announced the postponement of the election.  

The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, organized the "Pakistan Education Expo" in Dhaka on Monday, bringing together representatives from over 15 top-ranked Pakistani universities. The Expo is part of the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, an initiative undertaken during the visit of Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh in August, wherein he announced 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher studies in Pakistan, said a press release. The series of Education Expos in Dhaka and other cities are aimed at familiarizing the Bangladeshi students with the scholarship opportunities in Pakistan. The initiative is fully aligned with the shared vision of the leadership of both countries and has come to fruition due to Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif’s strong commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in education, research, and innovation. Mr. Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports of Bangladesh attended the event as the Chief Guest. Also present were Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, Secretary of the University Grants Commission, Vice Chancellors and Principals of several Bangladeshi universities and colleges, members of civil society, representatives of Pakistan’s HEC, local journalists and a large number of students, reflecting strong interest in the initiative. Aftab Ahmed, Rector of the National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences, representing the Pakistani universities’ delegation as a key note speaker, provided an overview of the Knowledge Corridor and the scholarship opportunities available across disciplines in Pakistan’s top-ranked institutions.

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia dismissed Professor Bikash Chandra Singh of the Information and Communication Technology department, citing unauthorized absence and breaches of institutional discipline. The decision was issued on Monday in an office order signed by acting registrar Professor Manjurul Haque. According to the office order, Bikash completed a post-doctoral research programme at Old Dominion University in the United States but did not return to duty within the approved timeframe. He later sought a one-year extension of his study leave, from June 2023 to June 2024. The request was placed before the Standing Committee on Study Leave at its 188th meeting on October 2, 2023, but the committee declined to consider it. On October 17, 2023, the university asked him to rejoin within a month. He did not comply and instead applied for a second extension, from June 2024 to October 2025. The Standing Committee, at its 196th meeting, also rejected this request, the office order said. A subsequent directive issued on November 3, 2024 again instructed him to return to his post within a month. Bikash, however, remained absent without permission. The syndicate formed an inquiry committee at its 267th meeting on February 26, 2025 to examine the allegations. The committee later submitted its findings to the 271st syndicate meeting held on October 30 this year. The body concluded that Bikash had committed a serious breach of the IU Employees’ Efficiency and Discipline Rules. With the charges proven under Rule 3(h), the Syndicate ordered his dismissal under Rule 4(1)(f), retroactively effective from 10 June 2023, it added.

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia officially launched the Bachelor of Madrasa Education programme under its Institute of Islamic Education and Research, marking a significant step toward professionalising madrasa teaching in the country. An admission test circular, signed by IIER director Professor M Mostafizur Rahman, confirmed the matter on Monday. According to the IIER office, the one-year, two-semester programme is designed to enhance teaching quality, curriculum development, and pedagogical skills within the madrasa system. Admissions for the 2025–26 academic year are open from November 4 to November 30, with 50 seats available. Applicants must collect forms by depositing Tk 1,500 at the Agrani Bank branch on the IU campus. The total programme fee is Tk 30,000. Selection will be determined through a competitive test. More information regarding the programme is available on the university website at www.iu.ac.bd.  

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia formed a seven-member review committee to evaluate disciplinary actions against individuals accused of involvement in activities labeled as 'anti-revolution', meaning the July Uprising of last year. The panel is also empowered to accept new complaints related to the allegations. The decision was formalised through an office order issued by IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque on Sunday, which mandates the committee to submit its report within 15 working days. Rajshahi University's Public Administration department Professor M Parvez Azharul Haque was made its convener. The other members of the committee are IU Al-Hadith and Islamic Studies department Professor Dr. Zakir Hossain, Accounting and Information Systems department Professor Abu Sina, Arabic Language and Literature department Professor M Kamrul Hasan, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering department Professor Mizanur Rahman, Electrical and Electronic Engineering department Professor Jalal Uddin, and Chittagong University's Law department Professor Jafar Ullah Talukdar. IU vice-chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah said that the committee was constituted after broad consultation. 'If any member steps down or is unable to serve, we will appoint a replacement promptly,' he said. The formation follows decisions taken during the university’s 271st syndicate meeting held on October 30, where it was decided to temporarily suspend 30 teachers, officials, and employees pending investigation. A total of 19 teachers and 11 officials expel 33 students following an investigation into their alleged involvement in activities against the July uprising that ousted the Awami League regime. Official notices have now been served to 10 of the accused faculty members, marking the beginning of formal administrative proceedings, the VC added.

Dhaka University students were seen leaving their residential halls from Sunday morning following directives issued by the authorities in the wake of the earthquake that struck central Bangladesh on Friday, killing 10 people. During visits to several halls on campus, many female students were found heading home, while male students were also seen preparing to leave. Those who remain said they are still unsure whether they should stay or go. At a Syndicate meeting on Saturday, the university suspended all academic activities until December 6, citing the physical and mental stress caused by the recent earthquake and subsequent tremors, as well as the need to renovate the residential halls. Hall provosts were instructed to ensure that all students vacate the halls by 5pm on Sunday.

In response to the emergency situation created by the recent earthquakes, Dhaka University authorities have decided to suspend all academic activities until December 6. Students have been instructed to vacate the residential halls by 5 pm on Sunday. However, all university offices will remain open as usual. The decision was taken at a virtual Syndicate meeting held around 10 pm on Saturday, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. During the meeting, members took into account the physical and psychological trauma experienced by students due to the major quake and subsequent tremors, emphasizing their overall safety as the top priority. Opinions from BUET experts, the Director of the Planning and Development Office, and the Chief Engineer were reviewed. They recommended a thorough inspection of all residential halls to assess structural risks and identify necessary renovation work. For this assessment and potential repairs, vacating the halls was deemed essential. Members of the Syndicate, along with the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, the Principal of Dhaka Medical College, the Acting Director of the Planning and Development Office, the Acting Controller of Examinations, and the Acting Chief Engineer, were present at the meeting.

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.