United News of Bangladesh

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday said the government is considering launching a pilot hybrid education system – combining online and offline classes – in selected Dhaka schools, citing the global energy crisis, chronic traffic congestion, and the growing need for technology-driven learning. "Not all schools at once, only those with the capacity will be considered for a pilot project," he said while addressing a seminar titled 'Continuing Education and Saving Electricity Amid the Global Energy Crisis' at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka as the chief guest. Urban areas to see blended learning to save power: Milon Under the proposed model, students will attend classes in person on some days of the week and online on others. Milon said this will reduce student commutes, ease traffic pressure, and cut fuel consumption while keeping learners on track with their regular curricula. He drew parallels with historical turning points, noting that wars, technological shift, and social transformation have consistently opened new opportunities. "Similarly, the current energy crisis, traffic gridlock, and global competition demand a fresh reimagining of Bangladesh's education system." The minister emphasised that the future of education will be technology-driven and largely paperless. "From parliament to classrooms, digital systems will expand. Students must be prepared for that reality." On the implementation side, he stressed that teacher training and monitoring would be critical to ensuring the effectiveness of online sessions and maintaining student engagement. Touching on broader energy-saving efforts, Milon noted the government has already introduced measures such as setting air conditioning temperature limits and adjusting office hours, while also pushing for greater use of solar power and electric transport. The government will take decisions in phases and implement them through pilot initiatives to prepare the next generation for global competition, he said. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, present at the event as a special guest, expressed hope that the ongoing crisis could be overcome through collective cooperation.

Several students were injured on Monday reportedly after clashes broke out between protesting students and security personnel at the National University campus in Gazipur, amid a dispute over the grace mark policy. Witnesses said third-year degree students had been staging a peaceful sit-in at the university gate, demanding a second phase of grace marks and access to their examination records. According to the protesting students, tensions escalated when the vice-chancellor came out to speak with them. They alleged that university security staff and officials then charged at the demonstrators with sticks, leaving several injured. However, the university authorities presented a different account. In a press release, acting director of public relations Mostafizur Rahman said the protesting students attacked the vice-chancellor’s car and physically assaulted him. The statement quoted Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Amanullah as saying that the university is discouraging the practice of auto pass and excessive grace marks in order to maintain academic standards in the future.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Saturday said classes in urban areas will be conducted through a blended system – both offline and online – to help conserve electricity amid the war-induced global crisis. “We will run classes in urban areas in both offline and online modes to save power,” he said while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with centre secretaries of the Cumilla Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, as well as technical and madrasah boards of the region, at the Cumilla Shilpakala Academy. The minister said a meeting with guardians will be held on Sunday to finalise the plan and gather feedback. Highlighting the broader shift in the education system, he said the sector is moving towards a “penless and paperless” model, adding that the government aims to advance in line with modern information technology. Addressing the issue of exam malpractice, Milon said adopting unfair means has existed since 1972, but stressed that it will be strictly prevented this time. “We stopped it in 2001-2006, and we will not allow it again,” he said, urging teachers to play a proactive role in eliminating it completely. Cumilla Education Board Chairman Md Shamsul Islam delivered the welcome speech at the event. MPs Manirul Haque Chowdhury, Md Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan, Md Abul Kalam, Md Jashim Uddin and MA Mannan, along with Technical Education Board Chairman Ruhul Amin, Madrasah Education Board Chairman Miah Md Nurul Haque, Deputy Commissioner of the district Reza Hasan and Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman, among others, were present.

The ‘B’ Unit (Humanities) admission test under the General Science and Technology (GST) cluster system for the 2025–26 academic session was held on Friday. The one-hour examination took place from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at 21 centres across the country. A total of 93,102 candidates applied for the ‘B’ Unit, of whom 76,762 appeared in the test, marking an attendance rate of 82.45 percent. Islamic University (IU) Acting Registrar Prof Dr Manjurul Haque, also secretary of the admission test core committee, confirmed the information on Friday afternoon. The GST cluster includes 20 general, science and technology universities across the country. These are Islamic University, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Begum Rokeya University, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, University of Barishal, Rangamati Science and Technology University, Rabindra University, University of Frontier Technology, Netrokona University, Jamalpur Science and Technology University, Chandpur Science and Technology University, Kishoreganj University, Sunamganj Science and Technology University, Pirojpur Science and Technology University and Naogaon University.

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.