United News of Bangladesh

The results of the Junior Scholarship Examination were published on Wednesday, with a total of 46,200 students selected under two categories. Of them, 14,700 students secured scholarships in the talent pool category while 31,500 were awarded general scholarships. The results of the examination held after a gap of 17 years were announced at 1:30pm on Wednesday. Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon formally announced the results at a function held at the conference room of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Education Ministry. State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj was present at the event. According to the published results, a total of 3,15,160 students participated in the Junior Scholarship Examination under nine general education boards across the country. Under Dhaka Education Board, 3,635 students received talent pool scholarships and 7,790 received general scholarships while 967 students secured talent pool scholarships and 2,073 received general scholarships under Mymensingh Education Board. Besides, Rajshahi Education Board awarded 1,926 talent pool and 4,128 general scholarships while Cumilla Education Board awarded 1,677 talent pool and 3,593 general scholarships. A total of 948 students received talent pool scholarships and 2,030 received general scholarships under Sylhet Education Board and Barishal Education Board awarded 873 talent pool and 1,871 general scholarships. The Jashore Education Board awarded 1,662 talent pool and 3,561 general scholarships while the Chattogram Education Board awarded 1,210 talent pool and 2,593 general scholarships. 1,802 students secured talent pool scholarships and 3,861 received general scholarships under Dinajpur Education Board. Results can be accessed through the website of the Directorate of Primary Education by clicking on the ‘Scholarship Result’ option and entering the roll number and year (2026). Students can also obtain their results via SMS by typing the board name, roll number and year and sending the message to 16222. Students selected under the talent pool category will receive Tk 450 per month while those under the general category will receive Tk 300 per month. The scholarships will continue for two years (Classes IX and X) along with a one-time annual grant. The examinations were held from December 28 to 30 last year and on January 6 this year at 611 centres under nine general education boards across the country.

University Grants Commission (UGC) member Prof. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, has identified education, health, and agriculture as the primary drivers of national security, stressing that investment in these sectors is essential for human security. Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on strengthening veterinary science education at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on Tuesday, he noted that global powers like the USA and China treat education as a core component of national security, a vision Bangladesh must also adopt. Addressing the selection process for the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project, Professor Khan highlighted that the grant was awarded through a highly competitive and transparent process. He asserted that in the post-August 5 era, the UGC has moved away from historically opaque practices to a purely merit-based selection system, countering common allegations of corruption in project allocations. He also expressed concern over Bangladesh’s low GDP allocation for education compared to other South Asian nations, stating that international university rankings cannot improve without addressing this investment deficit. BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, attending as the chief patron, emphasized that while modern technology is vital, the sincerity and profound knowledge of teachers remain the heart of quality education. The workshop, presided over by Veterinary Faculty Dean Prof. Md. Bahanur Rahman, also featured a keynote by Sub-Project Manager Prof. Mohammad Eliusur Rahman Bhuiyan. He outlined plans to modernize classrooms, establish high-tech research infrastructure, and digitize library facilities to align veterinary training with global technological standards and produce skilled professionals. The event was attended by BAU's Director of Planning and Development Prof. Mohammad Musharraf Uddin Bhuiyan, HEAT Project Regional Coordinator Md. Monabberur Rashid and faculty members from various departments. The project, funded by the HEAT-Academic Transformation Fund (ATF), aims to create a technology-driven environment to enhance research and hands-on training within the veterinary faculty.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday said teachers would no longer need to take to the streets to realise their legitimate demands, as the government is giving the highest priority to the education sector and will implement justified claims of teachers and employees in phases. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with the Teachers-Employees Unity Council at the conference room of the Ministry of Education, the minister said although there are certain budgetary constraints, other demands of teachers will be placed before the Prime Minister. “As many issues could not be incorporated into the new budget, it is not possible to implement all demands immediately. However, the government is sincere in this regard,” he said. Referring to allegations raised against officials and employees of the ministry, Milon said the complaints would be reviewed and resolved gradually. “Discussions are also underway regarding school managing committees and governing bodies.” “The issue of not allowing one individual to hold responsibilities in multiple institutions will be considered at the managing committee level,” the minister said. On the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA), Milon said recent changes in the recruitment system would be reviewed and necessary decisions taken accordingly.  “We will assess where corrections are needed. The government is firm in its position – we neither engage in corruption nor allow it. Transparency and accountability will be ensured in the education sector,” he said. The minister also said meetings would soon be held to decide on financial matters, including retirement benefits and welfare trust issues. “Education is receiving the highest importance at the policy-making level of the current government. Education-related issues also received priority at the recent cabinet meeting.” State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj said the written demands submitted by teachers have been taken seriously. “Among the various demands, standing issues have been identified and initiatives taken for resolution. We do not want to take abrupt decisions. We seek long-term solutions through consultation so that teachers do not have to return to agitation over the same demands five or seven years later.” Highlighting teachers’ dignity, Hajjaj said proper evaluation of their responsibilities in classrooms would be ensured and the government is aware of the expectations of the teaching community. Chairman of the Teachers-Employees Unity Council and Cumilla-2 MP Selim Bhuiyan, along with other teacher leaders, were present at the meeting.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan resigned on Sunday. He submitted his resignation letter to Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon at the Ministry of Education in the morning. Dr Niaz Ahmed also submitted an application to the President seeking to return to his original post as a Grade-1 Professor of Department of Development Studies. During the meeting, the Education Minister sought his views on the university’s current and future challenges and ways to strengthen education and research. Dr Khan briefed him on academic and research activities, campus security, and future plans, reaffirming his commitment to contribute to Dhaka University and the broader education sector. The Education Minister thanked Dr Niaz Ahmed for his notable contributions to the university’s development during a critical period and extended best wishes. Dr Khan announced his intention to resign during a special press conference on February 10, two days before the national election.

Students of Maulana Bhashani Hall at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have taken a unique initiative to mark Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day by producing a special documentary titled 'One Hall, One Heart, One Vision'. The documentary, created by students of the 2024-25 academic session, was premiered at the residential hall during the early hours of Saturday (February 21). The production has since garnered significant appreciation across social media platforms. The documentary meticulously chronicles the history of the Language Movement, tracing its roots from the initial protests in 1948 to the supreme sacrifices of martyrs Rafiq, Salam, and Barkat on February 21, 1952, and its eventual global recognition as International Mother Language Day. The project was directed by Durjoy Mondal, a student of the 2021-22 session, with narration provided by Apu Barman. Badhon Mollik Protik, a student of the hall, stated that their primary goal was to present the authentic history of the Language Movement and Bangladesh’s cultural heritage to the new generation. The production utilized historical footage and various locations within the hall to bring the history to life. Another student, Md. Nurul Bin Hasan Antim, remarked, "Our success lies in whether our peers can learn the true history of our mother tongue through this creative endeavor. This interest in national history alongside agricultural studies is highly encouraging." While the students of Maulana Bhashani Hall traditionally organize various programs for February 21, this year’s documentary has added a new dimension to the celebrations, earning praise from both the university’s faculty and the student body.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan on Friday vowed to build a drug free and terror free country, after efforts to ensure an education system without cheating in exams. He said the anti-drug and anti-terror drive will begin from Kachua, just as the anti-cheating movement once started from the same area and later became a national model. The minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists during his first visit to his constituency Kachua in Chandpur after taking charge. He said Kachua will be turned into a drug free, terror free and eve-teasing free upazila in phases. Effective steps will be taken through coordination among the administration, law enforcement agencies and local representatives. “Kachua once set an example across the country as a cheating free area. We now want Kachua to become the model for a drug free and terror free Bangladesh,” he said. The minister also said there are plans to start the journey towards a corruption free society from Kachua. He said the future Bangladesh will be built under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and all announced programmes will be implemented step by step. Everything in place for 'fair, transparent and smooth' SSC exams: Education Minister Milon ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milan was elected from Chandpur-1 seat with a large margin in the 13th national election. After taking oath, he was appointed education minister and minister for primary and mass education. Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md Nazmul Islam Sarkar, Superintendent of Police Md Rabiul Hasan and other senior officials of the administration and law enforcement agencies were present.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Thursday said that instructions have been given to the authorities concerned to ensure the preparation and distribution of question papers of SSC examinations, without any irregularities or disruptions. All necessary preparations have been taken to ensure the upcoming Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations to be held in a fair, transparent and smooth manner, he said while talking to reporters after a meeting at the Education Ministry. The government has reiterated its strong commitment to ensuring accountability, strengthening oversight and carrying out time-befitting reforms in the education sector, he added. Referring to some past decisions—such as suspension of examinations and auto-pass measures—under special circumstances and were never intended as permanent solutions, the minister said that the ministry’s goal is to bring the education system under a modern, quality-driven and accountable framework. On the issue of politicisation of teachers and their participation in political programmes during class hours, the minister said teaching students is their primary responsibility. “Any demands can be resolved through discussion, but abandoning classrooms for street protests is unacceptable,” he said. He also assured that the government would address legitimate demands with due respect. Reaffirming the government’s zero tolerance against cheating, the minister expressed hope that strengthened ethics and study practices among students would eventually eliminate the need for anti-cheating drives. Talking about the disruption of education in coastal, char and haor areas due to floods and natural disasters Milon said special measures would be adopted considering local realities, including alternative arrangements where necessary. On reviewing and revising the national curriculum, the minister said preparations are underway with curriculum experts from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board. A decision on forming an Education Commission would be taken after discussions with the Prime Minister, he said. To ensure accountability in MPO-listed private educational institutions, necessary regulations and monitoring will be strengthened. The minister also said initiatives would be taken to reorganise and reinforce the functions of the National Teacher Registration and Certification Authority regarding teacher recruitment, transfer and discipline. English-medium institutions would gradually be brought under government policy frameworks, he said. No institution will be allowed to operate outside official regulations and running schools without proper registration or in temporary, unsafe infrastructures will not be permitted. Fire safety and structural standards will be made mandatory. Regarding allegations of irregularities in transfers during the election schedule period, the minister said administrative decisions would be reviewed and investigations conducted if any violations or financial misconduct are found. About 1,700 MPO applications are under consideration and will be reviewed based on budget allocation and verification. Strict action will be taken if corruption is detected, he added. Expressing concern over the prolonged suspension of retirement and welfare benefits for non-government teachers, the minister said the trust would be reconstituted promptly and pending allowances cleared as a matter of priority. Emphasising skill development, he said the government would prioritise technical and technology-based education. Practical components in polytechnic and vocational institutions will be enhanced, industry linkages strengthened and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), incorporated into the curriculum. He also highlighted three immediate priorities of the government: · Creating a conducive environment to bring students back to classrooms · Reviewing and revising the national curriculum · Modernising technical education Question paper leaks, cheating will not return: Education Minister Milon The government’s ‘One Teacher, One Tab’ initiative will be implemented in phases for teachers at primary and secondary levels. A 180-day roadmap detailing its implementation will be announced soon. The minister reaffirmed that monitoring of educational institutions will be strengthened through relevant regulatory bodies and stressed that there will be no room for corruption in the education sector. “The Education Ministry is firmly committed to ensuring ethics, accountability and quality education,” he said.

Islamic University in Kushtia is set to go on a 38-day vacation on the occasion of Holy Ramadan, International Mother Language Day, Dol Purnima, Shab-e-Qadr, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Independence and National Day from February 18. An office notice, signed by IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque, was issued in this regard on Thursday. According to the notice, the vacation will begin on February 18 and continue until March 27, 2026. Academic and administrative activities are scheduled to resume on March 28. However, departments will be allowed to conduct examinations on dates marked in blue in the university’s academic calendar, if necessary. In a separate office order issued on February 16, revised office hours were announced for the month of Ramadan. During this period, offices will operate from 9:00am to 3:30pm, with a 15-minute break from 1:15pm to 1:30pm for Zuhr prayers. University offices will remain open under this schedule until March 15. The notice also states that university offices will remain closed on February 21 on the occasion of International Mother Language Day and from March 16 to March 27, totaling 12 days, for Shab-e-Qadr, Eid-ul-Fitr and weekly holidays. Islamic University students demand justice for murdered fellow student Despite the general closure, essential services, including medical services, water and electricity supply, ICT services, security, and estate management, will remain operational during the vacation period. The administration has also directed all departments and offices to submit a report on staff attendance and absence to the Registrar’s Office by 11:00am on March 28, the first working day after the vacation.  

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Md Abu Shadik ( Kayem), has alleged attempts to manipulate election results and called on the Election Commission to release accurate results for all constituencies. In a Facebook post published around 4am on Friday from his verified account, Shadik said the attitude of officials and law enforcement personnel changed in many constituencies across the country after voting ended. He alleged that there were attempts to alter public mandates in several seats through what he described as “election engineering”. Shadik also said results in Dhaka-8, Dhaka-13 and Dhaka-17, among other constituencies, were withheld in an attempt to change outcomes. He claimed that results in Dhaka-4 and Dhaka-16 were suspended even after being announced. Shadik further said that although results of all constituencies had not yet been declared, a leading national media outlet reported that a particular party had secured more than 200 seats. Referendum: DUCSU announces month-long programme to secure victory for ‘Yes’ He alleged that state institutions, including media and agencies, were used to influence the election outcome. Calling on the Election Commission to publish correct results for every constituency, he said that holding what he termed a “staged election” after the July movement and handing over power to one party would contradict the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives.

Two associate professors at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), have been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment, university authorities have said. The action was taken against Shamim Hossain, an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science and assistant proctor of the university, and Shakibul Islam, an associate professor in the Department of Disaster Science and Management. The decision was made during the university’s 119th Syndicate meeting, held on Saturday night, according to BRUR Vice-Chancellor Dr Showkat Ali. As part of the decision, the Syndicate also decided that Prof Shakibul Islam will not be permitted to supervise female students. Dr Md Harun-Or-Rashid, the university’s registrar and member secretary of the Syndicate, said an investigation committee had recommended punitive action against both teachers. He said that the matter has been referred to the administrative tribunal, which will determine the final punishment. The two associate professors will remain suspended until the tribunal reaches a decision. DU launches major development projects worth Tk 28.41 billion The allegations stem from separate complaints lodged last year. On November 2, 2025, a student from the Department of Disaster Science and Management filed a complaint against Prof Dr Shakibul Islam, accusing him of sexual harassment. Earlier, on October 30, 2025, a female student from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science submitted a 31-page handwritten complaint detailing allegations of sexual harassment against Shamim Hossain. University authorities said the process is being handled in line with existing regulations.