United News of Bangladesh

The University of Dhaka’s Women and Gender Studies Department marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 on Tuesday with a youth-led dialogue under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The event was held at the British Council in collaboration with United Nations Bangladesh and the Local Consultative Group on Women’s Advancement and Gender Equality (LCG WAGE). The programme brought together students, policymakers, academics, and development agencies to reflect on gender equality and women’s empowerment. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, who inaugurated the event as chief guest, stressed that promoting gender equality is the duty of every individual and society, as well as government institutions. UN Women Deputy Representative Navanita Sinha highlighted the role of men as equal stakeholders in achieving gender equality. “We need you to be champions and allies,” she said. During the interactive session, Dhaka University students delivered extempore speeches addressing everyday biases, gender roles, discriminatory social norms, and access to justice. Diplomats and representatives from LCG WAGE shared reflections on the students’ performances and reaffirmed their commitment to gender equality in Bangladesh. Baiba Zarina, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union delegation to Bangladesh, said, “The speeches remind us that policy is strongest when it listens to those who will bear the consequences.” Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks added, “Gender equality is not a finished product anywhere in the world.” Professors Sabiha Yeasmin Rosy and Tania Haque from the Women and Gender Studies Department, Professor Dr. Taiabur Rahman of the DU Faculty of Social Sciences, and Stephen Forbes, British Council Director, also delivered remarks. An exhibition featuring cartoons and visual representations on women empowerment and gender equality, commissioned by UN Women, was inaugurated as part of the programme.

Three students of Dhaka University have been suspended for six months following an incident in which two women were harassed at the campus’ TSC area. The information was confirmed in a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office on Tuesday evening. According to the statement, “Based on the recommendations of the investigation committee, three students have been suspended from the University of Dhaka for six months for their involvement in the incident in which two men and two women were harassed in the TSC area in the early hours of February 24.” The suspended students are Shahriar Islam Tushar from the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, Rakib Ahmed from the Department of World Religions and Culture, and Shahriar Tanzil from the Department of Anthropology. Using the authority granted under the Dhaka University Order, the university’s Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed issued the suspension order. Earlier, around 3:30 am on February 24, two women were harassed when they came and stood near the Raju Sculpture after having sehri from Puran Dhaka. Later, the two male friends who were with them submitted a written complaint to the university’s Proctor Office.

All classes and examinations at Dhaka University will remain suspended from today (Monday) until March 28, coinciding with the Eid holiday, following a directive from the Ministry of Education. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of SMT on Sunday night, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. During the meeting, members discussed a government notification and a letter from the University Grants Commission regarding the suspension of academic activities. According to the decision, university offices will remain open as usual on March 9. Authorities will announce later whether administrative activities and offices will continue operating after that date. Earlier on Sunday, a letter signed by Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Md. Sultan Ahmed, stated that in the current global situation, it is necessary to conserve electricity and fuel at the national level. Therefore, officials and employees of all public and private universities have been asked to ensure responsible behavior and take measures to save electricity and fuel. To implement the directive of the Cabinet Division and considering the month of Ramadan, all universities will remain closed from Monday until the date specified in the academic calendar for the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. The directive also instructed universities to follow several energy-saving measures, including avoiding the use of electric lights during the daytime when sufficient natural light is available and keeping windows, doors, or blinds open to allow sunlight. Institutions have been asked to use only half of the existing lighting where possible and avoid unnecessary lights. Additionally, during office hours, unnecessary lights, fans, air conditioners, and other electrical appliances must be switched off. When using air conditioners, the temperature should be set at 25 degrees Celsius or higher. Officials have also been instructed to turn off lights, fans, air conditioners, and all electrical equipment before leaving their offices. The directive further states that unnecessary lighting in corridors, staircases, and washrooms should be avoided, energy-efficient equipment should be used, and all electrical appliances including lights, fans, computers, printers, scanners, and air conditioners must be switched off after office hours. Universities have also been advised to avoid decorative lighting, limit the use of vehicles, and ensure economical use of fuel.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation with international development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and UNESCO, to enhance the overall quality of education in Bangladesh. The minister made the remarks during separate meetings at the ministry with ADB Country Director for Bangladesh Hae Yun Jeong and UNESCO’s representative in Bangladesh Dr Susan Vize. During the meeting with the ADB country director, the education minister highlighted various priority initiatives taken by the government to improve the education sector and appreciated ADB’s continued support in implementing development programmes. Milon said collaboration with international development partners would be further strengthened to accelerate reforms and development in the education sector. ADB Country Director Hae Yun Jeong reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continuing its support for Bangladesh’s education sector and expressed interest in assisting various development initiatives in line with the government’s priorities. The meeting also discussed issues related to improving the overall quality of education, developing educational infrastructure and expanding existing and future cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing the quality of secondary education, strengthening technical and vocational education, and increasing research and technological capabilities in higher education. The role of digital education expansion and human resource development was also highlighted. In a separate meeting with UNESCO’s representative Dr Susan Vize, the minister stressed the need for closer cooperation to improve education quality, prevent student dropout and ensure inclusive and quality education for all. The discussions also covered issues related to protecting students’ mental health, enhancing teachers’ skills and ensuring the effectiveness of the education system. Milon said the government would review ongoing education projects not only in terms of financial expenditure but also to ensure their effectiveness and outcomes. The minister also emphasised making the country’s education system more employment-oriented through curriculum and programme reforms. The meeting further discussed reducing administrative complexities and bureaucratic delays in implementing education initiatives. The minister assured that if UNESCO requires cooperation in this regard, it can communicate directly with him to ensure prompt action.

A Mehendi Festival was organised for female students at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) under the slogan “Let the joy of Eid begin with the colours of mehendi.” The event was arranged by energetic female students from six residential halls of the university with the patronage of branch Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) convener Agriculturist Md Atikur Rahman. The programme was held at the university helipad on Friday (Mar 6). As a special attraction, an online competition was organised on social media where participants posted photos of their mehendi designs on Facebook using a hashtag. Winners were selected based on the number of likes, comments and shares on the posts. Besides, a coupon-based lottery was arranged for participants, where 10 lucky winners received prizes. Tasmia Fairuz, a first-year student of the Faculty of Agriculture, said she was delighted to experience such a colourful event on campus. “We are very happy to have such a beautiful festival on campus. There is a festive atmosphere all around. Through this mehendi festival, the joy of Eid has already arrived on campus. As a newcomer, it is truly a wonderful feeling to experience such an arrangement,” she said. Patron of the event and branch JCD convener Md Atikur Rahman said, “In rural Bangladesh, people used to pick mehendi leaves from trees and apply them on their own hands or on those of their loved ones. But in today’s busy urban life, that beautiful tradition is gradually fading away. BAU has always played a special role in preserving tradition and culture. Through this initiative, we are trying to revive that tradition and enjoy it together.” BAU JCD joint convener Anika Tabassum Khan said there are plans to organise similar programmes on a larger scale in the future.

Young climate and environmental activists protested today in front of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University, calling for urgent measures to protect the Phuljor and Karatoa rivers in northern Bangladesh from industrial pollution. The program was organized by environmental group YouthNet Global and included nearly fifty indigenous women, men, and children from Sirajganj. Speakers at the event included Santosh Singh Babu, President of the Bogura District Committee of the National Indigenous Council; Sarbamitra Chakma, Executive Member of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU); and Mocha. Ruku Khatun, General Secretary of Sufia Kamal Hall. The assembly was presided over by Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, while climate activist Seyam Sikder moderated the event. Protesters demanded immediate investigation of industrial waste pollution, strict enforcement of environmental laws, accountability for responsible industries and individuals, and an end to harassment of environmental defenders. Indigenous participants reported that industrial pollution has severely contaminated river water and the surrounding environment, threatening agriculture, fisheries, and local livelihoods. Many families have already faced hardships due to land grabbing and industrial waste. The 55-kilometer Phuljor River supports the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands along its banks in Sirajganj and Bogura districts. Yet industrial waste has polluted the river, endangering aquatic biodiversity. Protesters specifically blamed chemical waste from several factories, including SR Chemicals and Majumdar Products, which they alleged were owned by the family of Golam Mohammad Siraj, the Bogura-5 Member of the Parliament. “Protection of the Phuljor and Karatoa rivers is about preserving the lifeline of our communities. If the rivers die, our culture, our food, and our future will be lost,” said Santosh Singh Babu. Faisal Biswas, a young environmentalist from Sirajganj, added: “Rivers are the lifeblood of our communities. Without effective action to stop pollution, we risk not only environmental disaster but also our livelihoods. We will continue this struggle until the rivers are safe.” Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said: “Rivers are living entities. Industrial waste is destroying our rivers and harming ecosystems. Bangladesh’s rivers form the foundation of our environment and livelihoods. Pollution in one river affects the entire ecosystem. Young people and local communities are uniting to demand effective measures to protect them.” During the protest, several rickshawpullers joined in solidarity, singing songs about river protection. Md Khaleque, a rickshawpuller from Dinajpur, said: “A river is not just water, it is part of our lives. If the rivers survive, we survive.” In a landmark 2019 ruling, the High Court of Bangladesh declared all rivers as “living entities” and appointed the National River Protection Commission as their guardian. Protesters stressed that this legal recognition must be enforced to save the rivers. Environmental groups reported that on February 21 and 22, chemical discharges into the Phuljor River caused massive deaths of fish, crabs, frogs, snakes, and snails. Protests followed, including human chains and memorandum submissions to local authorities in Dhangar on February 24 and at Chandikona bus stand on February 25. Subsequently, protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in front of SR Chemicals and Majumdar Products in Sherpur, Bogura. Participants claimed they were later targeted with extortion cases. Police arrested two activists, Touhidur Rahman alias Babu (45) and Ali Reza Biswas (50), from Sherpur Union market on Sunday night. They were presented in court the following day and released on bail. Other environmental defenders reportedly remain under harassment.

Leaders from various student organisations and cultural organisations gathered at an Iftar organised by the Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA), emphasising the need to strengthen democratic coexistence, healthy political practice and harmony on the campus. Under the title—“Restoring Democracy: The Expected Campus” DUJA held a Iftar Mahfil at the cafeteria of the Student-Teacher Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University on Friday. The programme was chaired by DUJA President Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi and moderated by its General Secretary Mahadi Hasan. Speakers at the event said that even during periods of authoritarian rule, DUJA remained a centre for democratic practice on campus and repeatedly highlighted the realities of fascist governance through journalistic efforts. Speaking as the chief guest, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan said representatives of different political views and organisations get the opportunity to come together every year through DUJA’s initiative. "Although differences of opinion exist among political organisations on campus, such gatherings help bring them together under one roof and set a positive example", he said. “We want political coexistence to always be maintained on campus. Students should have the opportunity to practise healthy politics and the university should become an open field for democratic practice,” Dr. Niaz added. DU Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha said the Dhaka University Journalists Association often assists the university administration by providing important information and highlighting various mistakes and shortcomings, making university activities more dynamic. Pro-VC (Education) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed said such events create opportunities for dialogue among political, social and cultural organisations and help strengthen the democratic environment on campus. Bangladesh Open University VC Prof. Dr. Obaidul Islam said campus journalists always stand for truth and justice and play an important role in protecting the stability of the university and safeguarding students’ interests. Abu Shadik Kayem, vice-president of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), said the country and the dream of a democratic campus were achieved through the sacrifices of the July martyrs and their contributions must always be remembered. He also demanded that the DUCSU election be included in the university’s annual calendar. Leaders of various student organisations also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy political environment and coexistence on campus. Nasir Uddin Nasir, central general secretary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said the “mob culture” created on campus should end with the upcoming student union elections. He urged everyone to remain vigilant so that no unnecessary mob situation arises on campus and called for an end to “disguise politics.” He also advised journalists to remain cautious about rumours spread through fake propaganda. Sibgatullah Sibga, secretary general of Chhatra Shibir, said that despite ideological differences among political student organisations, their presence under one roof at the DUJA event reflected the beauty of student politics. DUJA expresses concern over attack on journalists by law enforcement Jabir Ahmed Jubel, central general secretary of Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, said the administration should play an active role in maintaining a democratic environment on campus and stressed the importance of considering the opinions of student representatives in university governance. Among others present were Dhaka University Treasurer Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, former journalists of DUJA, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti Central President Zahid Ahsan, Chhatra Paksha Central President Mohammad Prince, Convener of the DU unit of Chhatra Federation Armanul Haque, Islami Chhatra Andolan President Muntasir Ahmed, and President of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (Marxist) Salman Siddiqui.  

Due to poor HSC results, the Cumilla Education Board has temporarily suspended academic activities and recognition for 13 colleges under its jurisdiction. The decision was communicated in a letter signed by Professor Runa Nasrin, Controller of Examinations of the Cumilla Board, on Thursday. Confirming the move, Board Chairman Professor Md. Samsul Islam said, “Institutions that failed to meet operational standards and whose results were disastrous have been temporarily suspended.” The letter from the examination controller revealed that colleges with pass rates between 0–5 percent in the 2025 HSC exams were deemed unsatisfactory. Following this, a meeting of the Examination Committee chaired by the Board Chairman on January 7 decided to suspend academic activities and recognition of 11th grade for these 13 institutions. The 13 colleges affected by the Cumilla Education Board’s temporary suspension are Zindpur Union School and College in Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria; Torabganj High School and College in Komolnagar, Lakshmipur; Cambridge City College in Lakshmipur Sadar; Nidarabad Union School and College in Bijoynagar, Brahmanbaria; Shaityshala Adarsha High School and College in Brahmanpara, Cumilla; Suruj Memorial High School and College in Lalmai, Cumilla; Chanpur Adarsha High School and College in Bijoynagar, Brahmanbaria; Seba Gram Fazlur Rahman School and College in Ramgati, Lakshmipur; Jibgao General Haque High School and College in Matlab Uttar, Chandpur; Chouddagram Model College in Chauddagram, Cumilla; Ojra SES DP Model School and College in Daudkandi, Cumilla; Toha Smriti Girls High School and College in Komolnagar, Lakshmipur; and Sharifullah High School and College in Matlab Uttar, Chandpur. College Inspector Professor Md. Nurunnabi Alam said, “These institutions repeatedly produced poor results in 11th grade and failed to improve despite repeated warnings. This action serves as an example for other institutions; similar measures will be taken against any that continue underperforming.” He added that the suspension is temporary, and the colleges can resume academic activities once they meet the required standards.

Two retired professors and a former student of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have been nominated for the prestigious Independence Award 2026 in recognition of their outstanding contributions at the national level. Prof. Dr. Zahurul Karim will receive the award for his contribution to science and technology, while Prof. Dr. M A Rahim and former student of BAU Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baki will be honoured for their contributions to research and training. According to a press release issued by the Cabinet Division of Bangladesh on Thursday, a total of 15 distinguished individuals including Begum Khaleda Zia and five institutions have been nominated for the Independence Award this year for their remarkable and outstanding contributions in various fields. The press release stated that the award will be given in recognition of contributions in sectors including independence and the Liberation War, science and technology, research and training, literature, culture, social service, medicine, public administration and environmental conservation. Dr. Zahurul Karim, a former professor of BAU, previously served as a scientist at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and the Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka. He also served as director general of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and later as executive chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), the apex body of the national agricultural research system. He is currently serving as president of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences. Professor Dr. M A Rahim served as a professor in the Department of Horticulture under the Faculty of Agriculture at BAU. He later worked as the chief executive and principal researcher at the BAU Germplasm Centre. At present, he is serving as the head of the Department of Agricultural Science at Daffodil International University. Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baki studied at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of BAU. He served as director general of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and also worked as chief scientific officer at the Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division. The Independence Award is the highest state civilian honour in Bangladesh. Introduced in 1977, the award is given to individuals and institutions for their significant contributions to the nation.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Thursday said the government will seriously consider expanding the organisational structure and manpower of the Education Engineering Department (EED) to make it more dynamic and capable of accelerating education infrastructure development. “Currently, there are many ongoing projects related to education infrastructure and the EED must play a more active role in implementing them,” Milon said while addressing an important meeting with officials of the department in the EED. He said the scope of EED’s activities could be expanded to the upazila level, similar to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and other institutions. The minister expressed hope that coordination among relevant institutions would improve further as they now operate under the same administrative framework, helping speed up development work. Emphasising the need to ensure quality in construction, Milon said many newly built structures often become dilapidated within a few years. “Contractors must be assigned work only after assessing their technical capacity, manpower and ability to complete projects within the stipulated time.”. He also stressed the importance of effective monitoring mechanisms and necessary policy measures to maintain construction quality. Highlighting the need for modern approaches in construction, the minister said the use of advanced technologies and innovative designs is essential. “The innovative ideas of the new generation of engineers and the use of modern technologies must be ensured so that construction work becomes sustainable, aesthetically sound and cost-effective.” Milon also said such interactive discussions with officials would be held more frequently in the future to address challenges and take necessary initiatives through direct engagement.