United News of Bangladesh

The vote counting of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) and hall council elections has not yet begun due to technical problems. To decide on the issue of vote counting, the Election Commission will hold a meeting with panel representatives and independent Vice President (VP) and General Secretary (GS) candidates in the Vice-Chancellor’s conference room. This announcement was made on Tuesday (6 January) by Election Commissioner, Associate Professor Dr. Anisur Rahman. He said, “We are counting votes using two machines. However, the two machines are showing different results. We conducted trial runs over the past three days, and such a problem had not occurred before.” He further added that a meeting would be held in the Vice-Chancellor’s conference room with panel representatives and independent VP and GS candidates regarding the issue. “We will certainly take an inclusive decision there, and we will inform the media about that decision,” he said. Earlier, after being postponed twice, the new date for the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union and hall council elections was announced on 30 December last year. On that day, just before the elections were scheduled to begin, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00 am while undergoing treatment. In light of this, an emergency syndicate meeting was held and the election was postponed. Later, in the face of student protests throughout the day, another emergency syndicate meeting was convened, and 6 January was announced as the new election date. JnUCSU elections: Voting underway amid festive atmosphere Among the notable panels contesting the election are the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal backed “Oikoboddho Nirbhik Jobiyan”, Islami Chhatra Shibir backed “Odommo Jobiyan Oikya”, Chhatra Shakti backed “Oikoboddho Jobiyan”, and the leftist Maulana Bhasani Brigade panel. In addition, there is a partial panel as well as independent candidates.    

Out of the six constituencies in Sylhet, the National Citizens Party (NCP) fielded candidates in three seats. During the scrutiny process on Saturday, the nomination papers of two candidates were placed on hold, while one was declared valid. The nominations of Sylhet-1 candidate Ehteshamul Haque and Sylhet-4 candidate Rashel Ul Alam were suspended by the Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam. The DC said both Ehteshamul and Rashel were dual citizens. They have informed authorities that they have renounced foreign citizenship, and their documents are under verification. A final decision is expected on Sunday. Ehteshamul Haque, who had lived in the UK for several years, renounced British citizenship on October 22 this year. Rashel Ul Alam, an IT developer who previously resided in the US with his family, has also renounced his American citizenship. Both candidates’ wives continue to live abroad. Meanwhile, Sylhet-3 candidate Barrister Nurul Huda Juned, who spent many years in the UK for studies, has had his nomination declared valid.

A total of 273,554 students have applied to sit for the undergraduate first-year admission tests for the 2025–26 academic session under the GST cluster admission system, reflecting strong competition for public university seats. The online application process concluded at midnight on December 30, officials said. Professor Dr Manjurul Haque, registrar of Islamic University in Kushtia and secretary of the Central Committee of the GST admission tests, confirmed the figures on Saturday morning. He said that among the total applicants, 159,189 students applied for A unit (Science), 90,408 for B unit (Humanities), and 23,957 for C unit (Business Studies). The online application process began on December 10 and was initially scheduled to end on December 24. Later, the deadline was extended by six days to facilitate more students, he said. According to the published schedule, the C unit admission test will be held on March 27, followed by B unit on April 3 and A unit on April 10. The GST cluster admission tests will be conducted for undergraduate first-year admission at Islamic University in Kushtia, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Jessore University of Science and Technology, Begum Rokeya University, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Gopalganj Science and Technology University, University of Barishal, Rangamati Science and Technology University, Rabindra University, University of Frontier Technology Bangladesh, Netrokona University, Jamalpur Science and Technology University, Kishoreganj University, Chandpur Science and Technology University, Sunamganj Science and Technology University, and Pirojpur Science and Technology University.  

Leading University, Sylhet’s first private university approved by the Government of Bangladesh and the University Grants Commission (UGC), and holding a permanent certificate from the Ministry of Education, will hold its fourth convocation on Saturday (Jan 3). A total of 6,193 graduates will receive their degrees at this ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, the university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Taj Uddin said the convocation marks a significant milestone in the university’s academic journey and a formal recognition of the graduates’ achievements. The ceremony will be presided over by Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. She will confer degrees to the graduates as the convocation chair. Internationally acclaimed Australian-based Bangladeshi writer and researcher, Dr. Abed Chowdhury, renowned for his work on the Panchbrihi Multi-Harvest Rice Variety and genetic science, will deliver the keynote speech. Special guests include UGC member Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, while the chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Syed Ragib Ali, will deliver the welcome address. Dr. Taj Uddin added that graduates from Spring 2018 to Fall 2025 semesters across four faculties—Business Administration, Arts and Modern Languages, Social Sciences, and Modern Sciences—will receive degrees in ten departments, including Business Administration, Tourism and Hospitality Management, English, Law, Islamic Studies, Computer Science and Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Public Health. Among the registered graduates, 15 outstanding students will be awarded Chancellor Gold Medals, Vice-Chancellor Gold Medals, Founder Gold Medals, and Co-Founder Gold Medals. The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the growth in convocation numbers: 156 graduates in the first convocation, 1,210 in the second, 4,734 in the third, and 6,199 in the fourth. A colorful cultural program is scheduled as the second phase of the convocation. Dr. Taj Uddin called for cooperation from all to ensure the convocation is successfully conducted.

A discussion titled “Unyielding National Leader Begum Khaleda Zia: Life and Work” was held at Jahangirnagar University on Thursday (Jan 1) to commemorate BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The program took place in the seminar hall of Zahir Raihan Auditorium. The session was moderated by JU’s Acting Registrar Dr. A.B.M. Azizur Rahman, while welcome remarks were delivered by Treasurer Prof. Dr. Abdur Rob. JU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan attended as the chief guest. In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor said, “Through various political developments, Begum Khaleda Zia has emerged as a central figure in Bangladesh’s politics. From the beginning of her political career, she has advanced with the nation and its people at the forefront.” He added, “Her unwavering stance on principles, ethics, ideals, and the aspirations of the people earned her the reputation of an ‘unyielding’ national leader. While holding state responsibilities, she took firm positions on issues such as the Farakka Barrage and the Bihari community crisis, actively working to resolve these challenges.” Other speakers at the session included Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Sohel Ahmed, President of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum Prof. Dr. Md. Shamsul Alam, General Secretary Prof. Md. Jamal Uddin, and various faculty members, officials, staff, and student leaders. Earlier in the morning, a condolence rally was organized by the Nationalist Teachers-Officials Forum in front of Begum Khaleda Zia Hall. The rally circled the campus and concluded at the Zahir Raihan Auditorium.  

Representatives of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) on Thursday met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss safeguarding the spirit of the July Revolution and shaping the future of student politics in Bangladesh. The meeting took place at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Before meeting Tarique Rahman, the DUCSU delegation signed the condolence book for late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Talking to reporters after the meeting, DUCSU Vice President Abu Shadik Kayem said they offered prayers for Khaleda Zia, hoping Allah grants her the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus. He said Tarique Rahman provided guidance on student participation in politics and the broader democratic movement, emphasising the importance of unity among forces committed to anti-fascist struggles following the July Revolution. Shadik said the BNP Acting Chairman stressed cooperation among all political and student organisations, including BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Chhatra Dal, and Chhatra Shibir, to rebuild the country. He said the youth must work together to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, restore state institutions weakened over the past 16 years, and implement the ‘July Charter’. The meeting also addressed the killing of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, with Shadik alleging that those involved in planning and executing the murder have not yet been arrested and that some still hold positions within the interim government. He called for swift legal action against the perpetrators. Shadik said the discussion reaffirmed a commitment to ‘Bangladesh-oriented’ politics and resistance to external domination, reflecting the ideals of Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman. Jamaat, BNP should work together for next five years: Ameer He stated that young people have been deprived of their voting rights for the past 16 years and urged the student community to play a united role in restoring democracy through free, fair, and credible elections. The DUCSU leader also encouraged the youth to take an active part in rebuilding weakened state institutions and implementing the ‘July Charter’, including steps such as holding a national referendum.

The Dhaka University (DU) Metro Rail Station was temporarily closed from 7:00 pm on Wednesday due to security measures ahead of Thirty-first Night celebrations. The Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) said in a statement that the closure was implemented following a special request from Dhaka University authorities. DU in mourning over death of Begum Khaleda Zia As a result, metro trains will not stop at the DU station from 7:00 pm until the end of service for the day. Trains departing from Shahbagh will run directly to the Jatiya Press Club–Secretariat station without stopping at DU. DMTCL confirmed that services at all other stations will continue as usual, with operations concluding at 10:10 pm in line with the regular schedule.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has published the results of the 2025–26 academic year admission test for the first-year undergraduate (honours) batch-55 ‘A’ unit, which includes the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the Institute of Information Technology. The results were released Tuesday on the university’s official admission website. According to university sources, a total of 60,351 candidates applied for 426 seats in the ‘A’ unit this year, meaning an average of nearly 140 students competed for a single seat. The JU administration said detailed information regarding the admission process and results can be accessed at the university’s admission portal: ‘ju-admission.org’. The first-year undergraduate (honours) admission tests for the 2025–26 academic year started on December 21 and concluded on December 29.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has announced a one-day general holiday and will keep the national flag at half-mast for three days following the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The decision was announced in a press release signed by Acting Registrar ABM Azizur Rahman on Tuesday. According to the release, in line with the government’s declaration, all classes and examinations at the university will remain suspended on Wednesday (December 31). All administrative offices will also remain closed on the day. The press release further said that the Government of Bangladesh has declared a three-day state mourning from December 31 to January 2 over the demise of the former prime minister. As part of the observance, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the Jahangirnagar University campus during the mourning period. In addition, special prayers will be offered for the salvation of her departed soul. A doa mahfil will be held at all mosques on the campus after Jumma prayers on Friday (January 2). Special prayers will also be arranged at other religious places of worship seeking eternal peace for the deceased. Khaleda Zia passed away at 6:00am on Tuesday (December 30) while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.

Candidates will not be allowed to enter any polling center other than their own. Even after casting their vote, a candidate will not be permitted to re-enter their designated center, said the Election Commission of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) and Hall Students’ Union Election 2025. The information was disclosed on Monday night at a press conference organized by the Election Commission at Jagannath University, where Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan briefed the media. He further said that all preparations for conducting the election have been completed. With the cooperation of all concerned, he expressed optimism that a transparent, orderly, acceptable, and historic election would be held. According to him, voting will take place uninterrupted from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. However, voters who enter the polling center and its perimeter before 3:00 p.m. will be allowed to cast their votes. Read more: Long-cherished JnUCSU Election on Tuesday As per Election Commission data, a total of 16,645 voters will exercise their franchise at 38 polling centers in the JnUCSU election. In addition, 1,242 voters will vote at a single polling center for the hall students’ union election. The Chief Election Commissioner said that votes will be counted separately at each center after polling ends. The respective returning officer will announce the results immediately at the center. Later, after consolidating results from all centers, the Election Commission will announce the final results. A total of six machines will be used for vote counting. To ensure transparency and security, a three-tier security system will be enforced across the campus, he said. The entire university campus and all polling centers have been brought under CCTV surveillance. Moreover, live broadcasting of vote counting will be arranged through three digital boards across the campus and surrounding areas, as well as on the social media platform Facebook. He also stated that voters whose ID cards have expired will be able to vote by accessing the voter list and collecting their voter ID via QR code scan on mobile phones or as a printed copy. The voter list will be photo-based. The Election Commission further informed that indelible ink will be used at polling centers. Ballot papers will be supplied department-wise in the morning. Students will vote only in the department where they are registered as voters. The ballot papers will contain special security codes. Read more: Election season kicks off in Bangladesh; 2,582 candidates submitted nomination papers It was also announced at the press conference that a ‘mock test’ was completed on Monday ahead of the election, in which around 30 candidates participated. No extra ballots have been printed. After casting their votes, voters must leave the campus. Only candidates and valid cardholders will be allowed to remain on campus. Those present at the press conference included Election Commissioners Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Professor Dr. Kaniz Fatema Kakoli, Professor Dr. Zulfikar Mahmud, and Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman. Also present were Director of the ICT Cell Professor Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin and PRIP Director Dr. Muhammad Anwarus Salam.