United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Sunday said the government is business-friendly but will not tolerate irregularities in the implementation of the primary school feeding programme. He said there is no scope to stockpile food supplied for students under the government primary school feeding programme, stressing that the food allocated for each day must be delivered to students on the same day. The state minister made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting on the implementation of the government primary school feeding programme held at the Primary Training Institute (PTI) in Mirpur, Dhaka. “If quality and nutritious food cannot be ensured for students under the school feeding programme, the government will not continue business relations with the supplier institutions concerned,” Bobby said. “We want the food to properly reach the children. If those responsible fail to act responsibly, neither their jobs nor businesses will remain secure in future,” he added. He also warned that strict action would be taken against any supplier found involved in irregularities in food quality, supply or distribution. “The basic condition of business is to meet demand properly. And the main objective of this project is to deliver nutritious food to children,” he said. The state minister said the school feeding programme is currently operating in 151 upazilas and the project, worth nearly Tk 5,500 crore, is equivalent to around one percent of the national budget. “If food cannot be delivered properly after taking responsibility for a Tk 5,500 crore project, it will amount to injustice to  people,” he said. He said all suppliers must submit a complete map of their supply chain within the next seven days, clearly mentioning from which factories products are sourced and where they are being distributed. The state minister also directed supplier institutions to appoint qualified food technicians to ensure food quality. Primary and Mass Education Secretary Md Sakhawat Hossain, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Shahina Ferdousi, Project Director of the Mid-Day Meal programme and other officials were present at the programme.

The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) on Saturday honoured engineer-members of parliament elected to the 13th Jatiya Sangsad at a reception marking the closing ceremony of its 78th founding anniversary, celebrated as Engineers Day. The event, held at the IEB auditorium at its headquarters in Ramna, Dhaka, also recognized Dr Engineer Mohammad Abdul Baki, recipient of the Independence Award 2026 for his contributions to research and training. Engineer-MPs felicitated at the event included Engineer Md Ashraf Uddin (Bakul), MP for Narsingdi-5; Engineer Moinul Islam Khan, MP for Manikganj-2; and reserved-seat MPs Engineer Sanzida Islam (Tuli), Engineer Mahbuba Hakim Camelia and Engineer Mardia Momtaz. The guests were presented with honorary crests and ceremonial shawls in recognition of their contributions and public service. Speaking as chief guest, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, MP, described the IEB as one of Bangladesh’s most prestigious institutions, saying it has played an important role not only in the professional development of engineers but also in the country’s overall progress. “The IEB has consistently contributed to the nation’s development journey, and we expect this role to continue in the future,” he said. Highlighting the role of engineers in national transformation, the minister said development should not be confined to infrastructure alone but must also include integrity, accountability and visionary planning. He said engineers, as an important segment of the country’s educated population, have historically played active roles in democratic movements and national causes. Referring to recent political developments, he said engineers would have a critical role in translating aspirations for democratic rights and sustainable development into reality. He also emphasized the need for professionalism, merit and ethical practices to address alleged irregularities and inefficiencies in development projects in previous years. In his welcome remarks, Prof Dr Engineer Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan, honorary general secretary of IEB, said the institution had organized month-long seminars and programs to mark its 78th founding anniversary. He said discussions held throughout the celebration focused on national development, engineering education, technological advancement and other issues of public importance. Presiding over the programme, Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Riju), president of IEB and chairman of RAJUK, said the IEB has continued to contribute to state-building and national development through professional capacity building and by uniting engineers beyond political affiliations to work for technological progress and the country’s broader interests. Among others, Engineer Khan Manjur Morshed, vice-president (Academic & International Affairs); Engineer Shaikh Al Amin, vice-president (Human Resources Development); Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, vice-president (Services & Welfare); Engineer A T M Tanbir-ul Hasan (Tamal), vice-president (Administration & Finance); Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Rasel, honorary assistant general secretary (Admin & Finance); Engineer Sabbir Ahmed Osmani, honorary assistant general secretary (Service & Welfare); and Engineer Md Noor Amin, honorary assistant general secretary (Human Resources Development), were present at the programme. The event was moderated by Engineer KM Asaduzzaman, member secretaryof the organizing committee and honorary secretary of IEB Dhaka Centre. A vote of thanks was delivered by Engineer Niaz Uddin Bhuiyan, convener of the organizing committee and vice-president (Services &  Welfare) of IEB.

Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, professor and former chairman of the Department of Japanese Studies at Dhaka University, has been appointed a full-time member of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education issued a notification in this regard on Saturday. According to the notification, Dr Mamun has been appointed as a UGC member for the next four years under the University Grants Commission Act, 1973. The appointment will take effect from the date of joining. He has already submitted his joining letter to the UGC chairman, the notice said. Dr Mamun has also made notable contributions to education and research at the international level. In 2024, he received the Fulbright Research Professorship at Adelphi University in the United States. In 2023, he served as a Japan Foundation Fellow at the International University of Japan. He earned his PhD in International Economic Development from the University of Huddersfield, UK, in 2020. In 2018, he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods from the same university. He also received a Certificate in Law from the University of Northumbria, UK, in 2009 and holds an MBA in Marketing. Earlier, he completed a postgraduate diploma from the Department of Japanese Studies at Dhaka University. He also obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Department of Sociology at the university. His research interests include Japanese studies, development planning, international development cooperation, development project management, aid effectiveness, development sociology and political sociology.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Wednesday said the government will introduce major reforms to the primary education curriculum with an emphasis on practical skills alongside academic learning. “The new curriculum will be designed in a way so that children can learn through stories and creativity and enjoyment,” he said, while addressing the national-level Holode Pakhi Neel Komol Award-2026 programme, organised by the Bangladesh Girl Guides Association in the capital. Bangladesh, UK eye stronger partnership in education, skills development Bobby Hajjaj said the government aims to build students of future Bangladesh not only through textbook-based education but also through leadership, civic responsibility, morality and social awareness. “With the new curriculum, the children will be taught not only academic education, but also practical skills,” he said. The State Minister said the new curriculum will help students learn how to become good citizens, keep their schools, homes and surroundings clean, and behave responsibly towards society and the country. Noting that childhood is a time for joyful learning, he said, “This is not the age to burden children with excessive pressure or oversized books.” Bobby Hajjaj said the government has undertaken extensive reforms in the education sector under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to develop a skilled, confident and responsible generation. He said the government is implementing a nutritious mid-day meal programme for students at over 65,000 government primary schools across the country. Congratulating the recipients of the Neel Komol Award, the State Minister said such achievements will continue to inspire students across the country. A total of 57 Holode Pakhi members from across the country received the Neel Komol Award at the event chaired by National Commissioner of the Bangladesh Girl Guides Association Kazi Zebunnesa Begum.

A writ petition was filed with the High Court on Sunday seeking its directives to  investigate the role of former Chief Adviser of interim government Prof Yunus and 23 former advisers in measles vaccination progrmame. It also sought travel ban on  Prof Yunus and the former advisers. Barrister M Ashraful Islam, a lawyer of the Supreme Court, filed the petition with the HC bench concerned. Allegations have been brought against them as were involved in shifting measles vaccination from the government management to the private sector. Health, Home , Cabinet Division, Public Administration secretaries and Director General of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) were made respondent to the petition. Barrister Ashraful Islam, said a sudden and severe outbreak of the once-eradicated measles disease has spread across the country. Over 100 children have already died while many others infected with measles are undergoing treatment in hospitals, said the writ petition. A legal notice has been served to the government demanding the formation of an investigation committee over allegations of involvement in the ‘unethical and criminal attempt’ to shift the measles vaccination from state management to the private sector.

Prof. ABM Shahidul Islam, a senior professor of Marketing Department at Dhaka University, formally joined as the new Vice-Chancellor of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) on Saturday. He began his tenure by placing a wreath at the mazar of Mawlana Bhashani. After offering prayers, he signed the visitors' book, sharing his reflections on the late national leader. Later, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Anwarul Azim Akhand welcomed the new VC and formally handed over the responsibilities. Following the handover, Prof. Islam held an introductory meeting with the university’s deans, registrar, departmental chairmen, provosts, and heads of offices. The President and Chancellor of the university appointed Prof. Islam for a four-year term on May 14, 2026. A native of Tangail, Prof. Islam’s appointment has been met with local enthusiasm. He previously secured the 4th position in the Dhaka Board during his HSC at Government Maulana Mohammad Ali College in Tangail. With a teaching and administrative career spanning 40 years, Prof. Islam is a Commonwealth Scholar who earned his M.Phil from the University of Strathclyde, UK, and his PhD from Dhaka University. This marks his second tenure as a Vice-Chancellor, having previously served at Leading University in Sylhet from 2006 to 2009. He has also held several high-profile positions, including Director of the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) at Dhaka University and Chairman of the Center for Development and Policy Research. In his initial reaction after joining, the new Vice-Chancellor sought the cooperation of teachers, students, and staff to ensure the overall development of the university. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing research quality and maintaining a modern, "session-jam-free" academic environment, according to a press release.

The regional phase of the Bangladesh Cyber Security Olympiad and National High School Programming Competition-2026 was held at Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur. The competition took place at the university's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday. Begum Rokeya University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali attended as the chief guest. The competition was divided into different segments for smooth conduct, ICT Quiz- 6th-8th Junior, 9th-10th Senior and Cyber Security Quiz- 6th-8th Junior, 9th-10th Secondary and 11th-12th Higher Secondary. And in the Programming Contest, 6th-8th Junior, 9th-10th Secondary and 11th-12th Higher Secondary categories were included. According to the organizing source, this Olympiad is being organized with the aim of increasing awareness, skill development and technology-based knowledge among the youth of the country on cyber security. Students from various schools of Rangpur division participated in it. And the students participated in programming, cyber security and quiz competitions. The organizer of the competition and the Head of the Department of BRUR’s CSE Department, Professor Dr. Md. Elias Pramanik, said, "I have noticed the interest of many students, parents and teachers. I think if such competitions are organized every time in our country, the creative ideas among our students will be awakened." BRUR Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said it is not possible for everyone to win the competition; however, success will definitely come one day, whether today or tomorrow. "Congratulations to those who won today and for those who didn't, I believe failure is the path to success." The event was organized in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Division (ICT Division), the National Cyber Security Agency and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.

Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations will begin on January 7 while Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations will start on June 6 from next year. Education  Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon disclosed the schedule of the public examinations at a press conference on Thursday. SSC and its equivalent examinations will be concluded on February 6 while HSC and its equivalent examinations will end on July 13, next year, he said. “The SSC and HSC examinations are extremely important. Approximately 20 lakh students appear in SSC and equivalent examinations and 20 lakh in HSC and equivalent examinations. The education and future of these 40 lakh students are extremely important,” he said. “We are trying to synchronise the system in a way that gradually closes the gap where students lose nearly a year waiting for the SSC examinations and another year waiting for the HSC examinations. We are considering December as the end of the academic year and the examination month and we have been moving forward accordingly,” said the minister. This year, the HSC examinations will begin from July 2, he said. Asked when the results would be published, the minister said, “In 2001, I fixed the timeframe at two months. No one would be allowed to delay the results by even a single day beyond that. That practice is still being followed.” However, as the system has now become more advanced, the timeframe will be shortened further, not extended, he said. “I have made it clear in my remarks that we do not want to keep any gap between the publication of results and the admission process. We want students to get admitted immediately after the results are published,” he said.  

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday said the country must move towards ensuring quality technical education to meet future workforce demands. “We have higher technical education. We just need to improve the quality of that education,” he said while speaking at the “IUT Excellence Award 2026” ceremony held at the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) in Gazipur, an institution run under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The minister said the government is committed to improving the quality of higher education, adding that IUT is playing an important role in producing skilled graduates. The programme was organised to recognise IUB’s outstanding contributions to education, research, and institutional development. Awards and honours were presented to teachers, students, and officials for academic excellence, research achievements, and contributions to the university’s development. IUT Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam presided over the event.  

Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin on Tuesday said Bangladesh must develop a more skilled, capable and responsible young generation to build the prosperous and democratic nation people aspire to, stressing the need for a modern and inclusive education system. “To build the Bangladesh people aspire to, we must make our young generation more skilled, capable and responsible citizens,” he said at a national workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence” at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of University of Dhaka. He described education as the backbone of the nation and said Bangladesh’s large youth population represents a major demographic opportunity. Addressing academics, policymakers and dignitaries, Mahdi Amin said, “If we want to move the country forward, we must utilise your wisdom, intellect, creativity and guidance to strengthen democratic Bangladesh and ensure people’s empowerment,” he said. Referring to the historical role of Dhaka University, he said the institution had played a vital role in every major political transformation in Bangladesh including the July uprising. Mahdi Amin said the government formed through a ‘free, fair and acceptable election’ three months ago, is working relentlessly to fulfil its electoral pledges under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He emphasised the need to modernise the education system and integrate civic values, technological skills and professional competence into schools, colleges and universities. The adviser also highlighted the role of researchers, teachers and education experts in implementing the government’s development plans through research, policy advice and methodological innovation. Outlining the government’s future vision, Mahdi Amin spoke of a technology-driven welfare system aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He said farmers would receive subsidies and agricultural support directly through digital farmer cards while modern technology and weather forecasting tools would help improve agricultural productivity. He also said the government plans to introduce E-health cards to ensure access to treatment through public-private partnerships, allowing patients in remote areas to receive healthcare services free of cost under government schemes. Mahdi said the government aims to improve the status and skills of teachers through initiatives such as the “One Teacher, One Tab” programme which would provide digital devices and international-standard training to educators. He said the government wants to ensure that the country’s future generations are equipped to compete globally through a modernised and digitised curriculum. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman opened the workshp around 11am and deliverd a speech. Arranged by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, the inaugural session was presided over by its Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed. Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed presented a crest to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on behalf of the UGC.