United News of Bangladesh

The authorities of Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia on Wednesday suspended three students for two semesters and issued formal warnings to nine others over their involvement in the assault and harassment of journalists during a campus football match. The decision was approved at the university’s 271st Syndicate meeting held on October 30 and announced through an official order signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr Monjurul Haque. The suspended students are Nahid Hasan, Riaz Morshed, and Afsana Parvin Tina from the Economics Department (2020–22 session). They have been barred from attending classes, examinations, and all academic activities for two consecutive semesters. The nine other students - Saiful Islam, Milton Mia, Moshiur Rahman, Rakib Hossain, Sourav Dutta, Minhajul Abedin, Sabbir Hossain, Sourav Hossain Sajib, and Faridul Alam Panna - were just given formal warnings for their limited involvement in the incident. The incident occurred on July 12 during a departmental football match when several students clashed with journalists, leading to physical assaults. Following the incident, the university formed a five-member probe committee on July 14, headed by Professor Mohammad Mizanur Rahman of the Pharmacy Department. The committee collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and later submitted its report to the Vice-Chancellor. The university emphasized that the disciplinary actions aim to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, stressing that attacks on journalists are incompatible with academic values and the Islamic principles of justice and integrity.

University of Dhaka (DU) has once again been ranked as the top university in Bangladesh in the QS Asia University Rankings, published by the UK-based education and research organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). According to the rankings released on Tuesday, Dhaka University secured the 132nd position in Asia and ranked 17th among South Asian universities with 63.3 overall score. The information was confirmed in a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office on Wednesday. Last year, Dhaka University also held the top position among Bangladeshi universities in the QS Asia Rankings. This year’s list includes 1,529 universities across Asia, with the University of Hong Kong taking the top spot, followed by Peking University in China. The ranking primarily considered factors such as academic performance, number of PhD holders, and international student enrollment. Globally, Dhaka University ranks 584th in the QS World University Rankings. Recently, in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, Dhaka University also shared the top spot among Bangladeshi institutions, advancing 200 positions to place within the global top 1,000 universities. In addition, 35 faculty members and researchers from Dhaka University were listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists 2025, published by Stanford University and Elsevier, the highest number from any institution in Bangladesh. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmad Khan congratulated all teachers, students, and staff for this achievement. In the latest rankings, 46 universities from Bangladesh have been listed. Notable rankings include North South University at 149th, BUET at 165th, Daffodil International University at 221st, BGC at 260th, Jahangirnagar University at 304th, Rajshahi University at 312th, SUST at 337th, Bangladesh Agricultural University at 378th, CUET at 385th, KUET at 414th, Islamic University at 448th, Khulna University at 454th, RUET at 470th, DUET at 486th, and East West University at 491st.

Some 403 accused students at Dhaka University involved in the illegal and violent incidents during the mass uprising of 2024, aka the 'JUlyJult20125have been directed to submit a written explanation to the Proctor’s Office within the next 7 working days, showing cause why they should not be permanently expelled from the university. This information was stated in a notice on Tuesday signed by Saifuddin Ahmed, Proctor and Member-Secretary of the Investigation Committee formed to probe the illegal and violent incidents that took place on the campus during the July movement. The notice said that a fact-finding committee was formed to identify those involved in the illegal and violent incidents that occurred on the Dhaka University campus between 15 July and 05 August 2024 and to bring them under administrative action. The committee submitted a report accusing 128 students, and after detailed discussion in the Syndicate meeting on 17 March 2025, those students were temporarily expelled from the university. The notice further mentioned that, for further investigation of the illegal and violent incidents that later occurred on campus, a five-member investigation committee was formed by the Syndicate. In its second meeting, the committee found involvement of a total of 403 students, including the previously accused 128. They have been instructed to submit a written explanation to the Proctor’s Office within 7 (seven) working days from the date of publication of the notice, showing cause as to why they should not be permanently expelled from Dhaka University for the offenses committed. Otherwise, one-sided action will be taken against them according to the rules of Dhaka University.

A madrasah teacher was shot dead and three others injured when unidentified assailants opened fire and hurled bombs targeting a BNP office in Khulna on Sunday night. The deceased was identified as Imdadul Haque, a teacher of Bochhitola Nurani Hafizia Madrasah and a former teacher of Yusuf School. The injured are Mamun Sheikh, 45, organising secretary of Jogipole Union BNP; Belal Khan, 55; and Mizanur Rahman, 58. BNP leader killed, four injured in Savar attack Officer-in-charge of Khanjahan Ali Police Station Md Tuhinuzzaman said the attack took place around 10 pm at the office of BNP leader and Union Parishad member Mamun Sheikh on Kuet Road. He said the teacher, along with others, had gone to the office to seek donations for a religious gathering when armed men on motorcycles attacked them, leaving four people injured with bullets. The victims were taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH), where physicians declared Imdadul dead. Kazi Mizanur Rahman, president of Khanjahan Ali thana unit of BNP, said the gunmen had targeted organising secretary Mamun Sheikh, who is currently undergoing treatment at KMCH.    

Animal welfare organisation Animal Saviors of Bangladesh (ASB) has announced its 101-member full executive committee for the 2025–26 term. Dr Md Mahbub Alam, Professor of the Department of Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Science of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), has been elected President, while Sandwip Saha, an intern student of the same faculty, has been elected General Secretary. Dr Mahbubul Pratik Siddique, Professor of the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, has been elected Treasurer, and Md Ashiquzzaman, a student of the faculty and UNB’s BAU correspondent, has been named Media and Publications Secretary. The new committee was officially published on ASB’s Facebook page at 10 pm on Sunday. Among its 101 members are eight foreign students. Other key office bearers include Vice President Al Faruk, Organising Secretary (Medical) Md Abu Bashed Sojauddaula Saikat, Organising Secretary (Rescue) Md Zayedul Islam, Office Secretary Md Anamul Haque, Assistant Treasurer Bijoy Kundu, Drug Analysis and Communication Secretary Kaniz Fatema Binti, International Affairs Secretary Eureka Joshi, Information and Technology Secretary Hafsa Khatun, and Event Management Secretary Adnan Rahman. The committee also comprises 50 general members. Professor Dr Md Mahbub Alam said the sincerity and dedication with which our university students have come forward to serve stray and ownerless animals, alongside their studies, is truly admirable. “ I believe this organisation will not only treat or rescue animals but also serve as a living school of compassion, responsibility, and hands-on learning for students,” he added. Media and Publications Secretary Md Ashiquzzaman said the organisation has long been providing free medical and welfare services to stray animals both on campus and in surrounding areas. “At the same time, ASB offers students opportunities to gain practical knowledge and real experience through compassionate education programmes,” he added. He expressed confidence that the new committee would further advance ASB’s slogan, “All lives are precious,” and its vision of “Building a safe, humane world for animals through compassion and care.”

A cohort of 50 students from BRAC University has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Millennium Fellowship—a global leadership program jointly run by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN), for the fourth consecutive year. The fellowship recognizes young changemakers for their dedication to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNAI principles through innovative social impact projects. This marks the largest group of Millennium Fellows from BRAC University since 2021, when the institution and Bangladesh saw their first-ever cohort of 14 fellows. The number grew steadily with 22 fellows in 2022 and 26 in 2024. Globally, student leaders from over 7,500 campuses across 160 countries applied for the 2025 cohort. Only 4 percent—representing 290 campuses across 47 countries—were selected to host this year’s 4,000+ fellows. To celebrate this achievement, BRAC University’s Social Impact Lab under the School of General Education organized a program on October 15 at the university’s Merul Badda campus. The event highlighted the selected students’ commitment to fostering sustainable and equitable change. The Social Impact Lab will mentor the fellows, offering strategic guidance, partnership opportunities, and support in scaling their initiatives. The aim is to help turn their ideas into measurable, community-driven social impact. The 2025 projects encompass a broad range of themes, including climate resilience, digital empowerment, menstrual and reproductive health, breast cancer awareness, equitable education, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, creative expression, and civic participation. Through these initiatives, BRAC University’s Millennium Fellows are advancing several SDGs—namely SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Moreover, the fellowship reinforces SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by nurturing ethical leadership, civic engagement, and global collaboration among youth leaders dedicated to sustainable development.  

The Syndicate of Islamic University in Kushtia has formally approved the constitution of the Central Students’ Union (IUCSU) and Hall Parliament, paving the way for the resumption of student union activities on campus. The decision was taken during the university’s 271st syndicate meeting on Thursday, marking a significant step toward restoring democratic student representation. Under the new constitution, the Central Students’ Union will have 25 positions, with 23 elected directly by students. The remaining two positions, president and treasurer, will be ex-officio posts held by the Vice-Chancellor and University Treasurer, respectively. Each Hall Parliament will have 15 members, with the hall provost serving as ex-officio president and appointing an assistant provost as ex-officio treasurer. The other 13 positions will be elected directly by resident students, ensuring grassroots representation. Professor M Mizanur Rahman, convener of the Constitution and Statutes Formulation Committee, said the draft underwent extensive consultations with student organizations and media representatives, dismissing claims that students were not consulted. Islamic University JCD unit's 48-hr ultimatum to cancel teacher recruitment boards IU Treasurer Prof. Mohammed Jahangir Alam said that the document will now be sent to the President of Bangladesh for approval via the University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Law. Once approved, it will be enacted as an ordinance and incorporated into the university’s legal framework. The approval is seen as a major step toward reviving democratic culture on campus, where student unions have remained largely inactive due to legal and administrative hurdles.  While many student leaders have welcomed the move, some have raised concerns about ex-officio positions, calling for more student autonomy in leadership selection.  

A student of Dhaka University (DU) has been suspended for six months for allegedly making hateful and offensive remarks about Islam, the Holy Qur’an, and the Muslim community on social media. The expelled student is Abrar Faiyaz, a student of the 2021–22 session at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), said DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed on Wednesday. According to the Proctor’s office, three other DU students including Mehtajur Rahman and Tasnia Islam, both from the BBA-30 batch of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), have been accused of making offensive and sexually suggestive comments toward women wearing hijab. They were allegedly connected with Sreeshant Roy, a student of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who has been jailed under the Cyber Security Ordinance in a related case. Among the accused, Abrar Faiyaz has been suspended for six months following a fact-finding inquiry.  “He has been suspended for six months. The investigation committee has recommended permanent expulsion. The final decision will be taken after discussion in the Syndicate,” Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said. The disciplinary action followed a written complaint submitted by several students on October 26 urging the university authorities to take action against Faiyaz. Later, the Proctor’s office formed a three-member fact-finding committee to verify the allegations. Committee formed to draft framework for student politics at Dhaka University The decision was taken based on the committee’s report and with the approval of the Vice Chancellor. Regarding the two IBA students, the proctor said that the IBA authorities have already formed an investigation committee which has submitted its report. “The Proctor’s office has also formed a separate committee on the matter. Actions will be taken soon as per the report,” he added. Meanwhile, a student of the Department of Physics has also been accused of making derogatory comments about the Sanatan (Hindu) religion, the Proctor said. “A committee has been formed to look into the matter as well. Appropriate actions will be taken once the investigation is completed,” he said.  

The Jagannath University (JnU) authorities have formed a five-member election commission to conduct the university’s Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election. According to a notice signed by the university’s acting registrar, Professor Md. Gias Uddin, on Wednesday, the commission has been constituted—with the approval of the Syndicate—under Section 15(1) of the Regulations for the Formation and Operation of Jagannath University Central and Hall Students’ Unions 2025. The body will oversee the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union and Hall Students’ Union Election 2025. Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan, Chairman of the Department of Social Work, has been appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner. The Assistant Election Commissioners are: Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Chairman of the Department of Law; Professor Dr. Kaniz Fatema Kakoly, Department of Physics; Professor Dr. Md. Zulfiqar Mahmud, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and Associate Professor Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman, Department of Islamic History and Culture. Since its establishment, Jagannath University students are set to participate in their first-ever students’ union election.

The government will not take any measures contrary to public aspirations regarding primary education, said Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain. Talking to reporters at the Secretariat after meeting Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser on Primary and Mass Education, Dr Khalid said the government is working to build an equitable, just, and prosperous state inspired by the spirit of the July revolution. “In this new journey, the government will adopt policies keeping the aspirations of the people in mind. No decision will be taken that could create unrest or public resentment in society,” he added. Quoting the primary and mass education adviser, he said all decisions by the ministry reflect government policy and public interest. Steps taken in primary education will ensure the inclusion of public aspirations. The adviser added that religious and moral education classes at the primary level have been increased, and assistant teacher recruitment now equally considers graduates from both general and madrasa education. Earlier, the advisers discussed improving the quality of primary education, expanding religious and moral education, and teacher recruitment.