United News of Bangladesh

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Saturday said the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to prevent question leaks and cheating in the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations. The minister said strict monitoring will be ensured at the field level to protect the sanctity of the examinations scheduled to begin on April 21. He made the remarks at a post-iftar meeting with members of the Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (ERAB) at his official residence on Mintu Road in the capital. The minister said SSC examinations will begin simultaneously across the country from April 21. “Ensuring a cheating-free examination environment is a big challenge for me. We succeeded in the past and we will continue that trend this time as well,” he said. He warned that those who attempt to leak question papers using information technology will face strict action. “I will personally visit the field level to supervise the overall security of the examinations,” he added. Hinting at a plan to introduce a unified question system across the country instead of separate question papers, the minister said all students should face the same standard. “If major competitive exams around the world can be held with identical questions, it is also possible in our country. We are considering how this system can be introduced from next year,” he said. Describing the ministry as his “place of devotion”, the minister said he aims to create a foundation through a 180-day work plan that could have an impact equivalent to 180 years. He also said the government plans to introduce a three-tier screening process involving Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO), deputy commissioners and education boards to ensure transparency and set educational qualifications for presidents of managing committees of educational institutions. Responding to debate over the requirement of 18 years of experience for appointments, the minister said the decision was taken to give opportunities to teachers who had been deprived due to political reasons over the past 15–17 years. He also identified the revision of the new national curriculum and textbooks for 2027 as one of his key priorities. Expressing dissatisfaction over the pace of work at the ministry, the minister said officials must move beyond traditional approaches and complete tasks quickly and efficiently. “Officials are here to work for the development of education, not to pursue personal interests,” he said. ERAB President Faruk Hossain, General Secretary Solaiman Salman, Vice President Shahed Matiur Rahman, Joint Secretary Asif Hasan Kajol, Treasurer Najiur Rahman Sohel and other members of the association and journalists from different media outlets were present at the event.

Education Minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon on Friday clarified that under no circumstances will anyone with insufficient education or lacking interest in education be allowed to serve on the managing committees of educational institutions. He said the government is considering including only those who are educated and have contributed significantly to the development of education. The minister made the remarks at Kachua Upazila Parishad during a National Education Week event, after distributing prizes to competition winners and wheelchairs to persons with disabilities. Education Minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon said that many education enthusiasts have made notable contributions to improving education, and the government is discussing how to include socially responsible individuals in school managing committees. He added that final decisions will be taken in consultation with parliament members and the Prime Minister. Addressing media questions, Milon dismissed reports suggesting that semi-educated individuals would be allowed on committees, calling them incomplete and misleading. Addressing journalists, the minister urged responsible reporting, emphasizing that statements should be presented in full context and reflect the complete truth. On SSC and equivalent exams, the minister said the government is preparing for the upcoming exams starting April 21 under the existing system, while planning to introduce new, practical, and modernized rules in the future. He also expressed his commitment to making Kachua a model area for education, which could then serve as a blueprint for the rest of the country.

Education Adviser ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Friday strictly instructed that students must not be made to stand on roadsides to greet ministers or guests. “Making students stand on roads to welcome ministers or guests is completely prohibited,” he said, adding that no teacher or educational institution will be allowed to arrange receptions by keeping students standing in the sun or beside roads in the future. The directive came while he was speaking as the chief guest at the prize-giving ceremony of National Education Week–2026 held in Kachua upazila of Chandpur. On his way to the programme venue, the minister noticed students standing along the roadside to welcome him and immediately expressed dissatisfaction over the matter. “There is no need to organise any reception that causes hardship for students,” he said. He added that he prefers to move around like an ordinary person and no student should be kept waiting on roads for his arrival. “If I see teachers or students standing on the roadside anywhere for this purpose, it will not be acceptable,” he said. Addressing teachers, he asked them to ensure students are given leave promptly and sent home. Speaking to students, he urged them not to stand on roads under the sun to greet him, saying he would instead visit schools to meet them. Later, the minister spoke with students and inquired about their studies and future plans. Among others present at the programme were Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan Russell, Kachua BNP President Khairul Abedin Swapan, Officer-in-Charge of Kachua Police Station Md Borhan Uddin, along with officials of different departments, teachers and local political leaders. Earlier in the day, the education minister also distributed cheques to registered private orphanages in the upazila and handed over cheques and wheelchairs to poor and needy people under a joint initiative of the upazila social welfare committee and the patient welfare association. Later in the afternoon, he joined an iftar gathering with leaders of the Kachua primary education and market traders’ association.

The administration of Jahangirnagar University (JU) has temporarily suspended a student for cyberbullying, using obscene language, and making threatening statements, officials said on Thursday. An investigation committee has also been formed to look into the matter. According to an office order signed by the Acting Registrar Dr ABM Azizur Rahman, Golam Rabbani, a student of the Department of Botany (50th batch, 2020–2021), has been suspended following a complaint by a female student of the English Department (2021–2022 batch). He will not be allowed to stay in any university residential hall during the suspension, under Section 4(1)(b) of JU’s Disciplinary Ordinance for Students-2018. The investigation committee is headed by Tamalika Sultana, Associate Professor of the Government and Politics Department, with Md Sohel Rana, Deputy Registrar of the Proctor’s Office, as member secretary. The committee has been asked to submit its report with recommendations within 15 working days. The complaint alleged that Rabbani responded to the female student’s comments on a Facebook post about JU with indecent, vulgar, and threatening language, leaving her humiliated and mentally distressed. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Chhatra Union and Jahangirnagar University Sangsad, have demanded strict punishment for Rabbani, calling the incident a case of cyberbullying and online harassment.    

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.