United News of Bangladesh

The Bengali nation proudly celebrates December 16 as Victory Day.  The date marks the surrender of the Pakistani army in 1971, bringing to an end the Liberation War.  A new country, Bangladesh, was born after a long and bloody nine-month war. However, even after 54 years of independence, questions remain about issues such as democracy, secularism, the objective history of the war and reform of the education system. In a special interview with UNB, Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, shared his views on the importance of Victory Day, the university’s programmes, research on the Liberation War, the political reality of the 2024 Uprising, challenges in education, and the role of the younger generation. UNB: How do you see the importance of Victory Day on its 54th anniversary? VC: The greatest significance of this day is that Bangladesh emerged as a democratic state. Our main resistance against the Pakistani rulers was because they denied the people’s electoral mandate. The core spirit of the Liberation War lies in freedom, democracy and sovereignty. Our main goal was to establish the people’s rights and democracy in this country. UNB: What programmes has the university taken for Victory Day? VC: Like last year, the university administration has arranged various programmes. These include placing wreaths at the National Memorial, illuminating different offices such as the administrative building and residential halls, and providing improved food for students. There is also a plan to organise a victory rally if the situation allows. UNB: How much participation do you expect from teachers and students? VC: 1971 is our birth identity, and 2024 continues that journey—'24 has completed the unfinished work of '71. Due to long-term fascist rule, confusion was created, but after '24, history has been revived. I believe teachers and students will participate spontaneously. UNB: Does the university have any initiative to research and document the Liberation War? VC: We have established an art gallery to capture the spirit of 2024. We are also preserving the events of 2024 through an oral archive. 2024 was born from 1971 and emerged due to the unfinished promises after independence. It is important to document and remember this. If we fail to fulfil the promise of '71, '24 will return again and again. UNB: Are there any new steps to strengthen Liberation War history in the curriculum? VC: Every department will review its course content. Departments such as history, archaeology, government and politics should give greater importance to this topic. Many people are confused because they do not know objective history. We have both horizontal and vertical histories. The deprivation of Muslims in colonial Bengal and the contributions of Muslim thinkers of the subcontinent have not been properly highlighted. I urge the concerned departments to take immediate action. UNB: Is there any new project on campus to honour the martyrs? VC: There are several memorial structures on campus, including Amar Ekushey, Shaheed Minar, Sansaptak, and monuments for 1952, 1971 and 2024. Recently, we inaugurated ‘Adamya-24’ in memory of 2024. However, these are not enough. More visible initiatives are needed to commemorate 1971 and 2024. Failure to remember history has led to long dictatorships. UNB: Do students know the correct history of the Liberation War? VC: Except for a small number, most students do not know the correct history. Different governments have presented history based on their own ideologies. We want to ensure this does not happen again. Everyone’s contribution must be evaluated fairly. Otherwise, situations like 2024 may occur again. UNB: Is the new generation learning enough from history? VC: I have serious doubts. The main problem is the lack of objectivity. Awareness will grow if students learn history through interviews with families of martyrs, use of technology, oral archives and smartphones. UNB: How much of the spirit of independence has been realised today? VC: We are still trapped in divisive politics. Even a year and a half after 24, hatred has not stopped on the path to restoring democracy. This puts both 1971 and 2024 at risk. Despite many reasons for division, if there is even one reason for unity, we must accept it. Like '71 and '24, we must unite beyond race, religion, caste and gender. Jahangirnagar University suspends 16 students over ragging of freshmen UNB: What is the biggest challenge in the education system after 54 years? VC: There is a division based on education mediums—Bangla, English, Madrasa and technical. These must be unified. The education budget is very low. Internationally, 4–6 percent of GDP is recommended, but we allocate only 1–2 percent. Due to lack of respect and financial security, talented people are not choosing teaching as a profession. An education commission and major reforms are urgently needed. UNB: What are the future plans for academic development and research at the university? VC: Since taking office, we have increased research funding and supported quality researchers. Our international research standing has improved, and we have ranked top nationally several times. We also plan to allocate funds for student research. UNB: What is your message to students and youth on Victory Day? VC: History shows that young people have always led movements for democracy and rights. The experience of elders and the energy of youth together will move the country forward. Students should spend more time in classrooms and libraries to prepare themselves to lead the nation in the future.    

Students residing in accommodation under the “Medhabi Project” run by the As-Sunnah Foundation have implemented a blockade program at the main gate of the administrative building of Jagannath University (JnU) for nine consecutive hours, demanding inclusion in a special scholarship scheme.  As of 7pm on Monday, when this report was filed, the Vice-Chancellor, the Treasurer, and other administration officials remained confined inside. The blockade commenced Monday at 10am in front of the university’s administrative building. The protesting students stated that the blockade would continue until their demands are met. Hasnat Hossain, one of the protesting students, said: “We are standing here with our legitimate demands. Many students stay in halls by paying subsidies of Tk 5,000–6,000. Some even pay Tk 9,000–10,000. So why should we be excluded from the scholarship?” Bakhtiar Islam, a student of the Department of Islamic History and Culture, said, “The As-Sunnah Hall authorities have told us that the Medhabi Hall has no affiliation with Jagannath University. They have instructed that As-Sunnah Hall should not be considered a university hall. We will not leave this place until our three demands are fulfilled. If the demands are not met, the movement will become more intense.” The students’ three-point demands are: inclusion of students residing under the As-Sunnah Foundation-run ‘Medhabi Project’ within the housing scholarship policy, like general students; removal of the imposed conditions of 70 percent attendance and CGPA-based criteria in order to keep the housing scholarship need-based rather than merit-based; and complete withdrawal of the re-admission-related conditions. Meanwhile, the As-Sunnah Foundation has requested that its ‘Medhabi Project’, meant for regular students of Jagannath University, not be considered as an administrative or residential hall of the university.  

Students of Chittagong University (CU) on Monday locked the university’s administrative building demanding the removal of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan for his alleged controversial remarks over the killings of intellectuals in 1971. Under the banner of Sarbadaliya Chhatra Oikya (All-Party Students’ Unity), the students padlocked all gates of the administrative building around noon protesting his remarks denying the role of Pakistani occupation forces in the killing of intellectuals during the Liberation War. Acting Registrar Prof Mohammad Saiful Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Md Kamal Uddin and Controller of Examinations Prof Momtaz Uddin Ahmed were inside the building at that time. The building remained locked as of filing this report in the afternoon. The students demanded an unconditional apology and resignation of Prof Shamim Uddin Khan. CU unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary Jalal Uddin said they locked the administrative building in protest against Prof Shamim Uddin’s remarks on the martyred intellectuals. “If he does not apologise unconditionally, we will continue to press for his resignation,” he said. Sumaiya Sikder, a representative of Nari Angan, condemned the remarks, saying such comments were unacceptable from an academic. “His statement has demeaned the Liberation War and the martyred intellectuals. We demand his resignation so that no one dares to make such remarks in future.”   Biplobi Chharta Moitri President Joshod Zakir said the comments attempted to create a narrative in favour of collaborators which is ‘disgraceful and shameful.’ After locking the building, CU Chhatra Dal General Secretary Abdullah Al Noman said the university runs on public funds, not on funds of any particular group. He alleged that during a discussion meeting marking Martyred Intellectuals Day on Sunday, the pro-VC referred to Pakistani soldiers as ‘warriors’ which sparked outrage among students. “He must apologise and resign. We will not remove the locks otherwise,” he said. Earlier, speaking at a discussion organised by the CU administration on December 14, Prof Shamim Uddin Khan reportedly said that December 16 was fixed as the day of surrender and they (the Pakistani army) were preparing to return and in such a situation, the idea that the Pakistani army would kill Bangladesh’s intellectuals is completely baseless. This was part of an international conspiracy and the intellectuals were killed with the aim of turning this country into a tributary state of another country, he added.

The authorities of Dhaka University (DU) have erased images of individuals convicted of war crimes that were painted at Jagannath Hall on the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, students alleged. To commemorate the martyred intellectuals of the 1971 Liberation War, the Jagannath Hall Students’ Union organised a programme titled “Tuli’r Anchore Droho” (Defiance Through Brushstrokes) last night. As part of the programme, students painted images of convicted war criminals Ghulam Azam, Matiur Rahman Nizami, and Abdul Quader Molla - all senior leaders of Jamaat e Islami in independent Bangladesh at the time of their convictions- on the road in front of the hall’s Rabindra Bhaban. However, according to students and organisers, the images were erased on Sunday morning on the instructions of the university administration. Speaking about the incident, Jagannath Hall Union Vice President Pallab Barman said that the programme was organised to remember the martyred intellectuals and to express students’ anger against the Razakars. “But the administration erased the painted caricatures without informing us. We have not received any explanation so far,” he added. Attempts to contact Jagannath Hall Provost Debashish Pal and DU Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed for comments were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to phone calls.

Several British universities have quietly tightened or suspended admissions for students from Bangladesh and Pakistan, citing tougher Home Office rules and rising visa refusal rates, a move that is significantly narrowing access for applicants from two of the UK’s largest international student source countries. UK universities have traditionally relied heavily on international students to support their finances and sustain globally diverse campuses. Amid heightened scrutiny by immigration authorities, many institutions are, however, now limiting recruitment from what they describe as “high-risk” countries to avoid breaching visa compliance thresholds. According to a report by the Financial Times, at least nine UK universities have imposed restrictions on recruitment from certain countries following increased Home Office monitoring over alleged visa misuse. The move follows a rise in asylum claims by international students prompting Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle to caution that student visas ‘must not be used as a backdoor’ to permanent settlement in Britain. Several universities have already taken direct action. The University of Wolverhampton has stopped accepting undergraduate applicants from both Bangladesh and Pakistan, while the University of East London has paused recruitment from Pakistan. The Universities of Sunderland and Coventry have suspended recruitment from both countries. London Metropolitan University confirmed it halted recruitment from Bangladesh after Bangladeshi applicants accounted for 60 percent of its total visa refusals. Universities insist the decisions are driven by compliance concerns rather than discrimination. The University of Sunderland said it makes ‘no apologies’ for adopting a firm stance to ‘protect the integrity’ of the UK’s student visa system. Official data underscore the pressure universities are facing. For the year ending September 2025, visa refusal rates stood at 18 percent for Pakistani applicants and 22 percent for Bangladeshi applicants—well above the newly enforced 5 percent threshold. Together, applicants from the two countries accounted for around half of the 23,036 student visa applications rejected by the Home Office during that period. Asylum claims from Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals have also risen in recent years, with many individuals originally entering the UK on study or work visas, further intensifying government scrutiny. While universities maintain that the restrictions are necessary to safeguard their sponsor licences, critics argue the measures risk undermining the UK’s reputation as an open destination for international education and disproportionately affect students from South Asia seeking higher education opportunities in Britain.

On the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, University of Dhaka has installed small placards bearing the names and identities of teachers, students, officers, and staff who were killed during the 1971 Liberation War, to pay tribute to their sacrifices and preserve their history. The program, held on Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, covered key areas across the campus, including the TSC grounds, in front of the Central Library, Hakim Chattar, Madhur Canteen, Kala Bhavan, Mall Chattar, VC Chattar, Soparjit Shadhinota Chattar, Law Faculty premises, Motahar Hossain Bhaban, Science Library, Karzon Hall area, Doel Chattar, Charukala, and areas adjacent to all residential halls. The placards commemorate the victims of atrocities carried out by the Pakistani army and their collaborators, including Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams forces. According to the university’s official list, 195 individuals from Dhaka University were martyred during the Liberation War. Dhaka University observes Martyred Intellectuals Day with due solemnity The organizer of the program, literature and publication secretary of DU Chhatra Dal, Abu Hayat Md. Zulfiqur Jesun, said that the martyrs of the Liberation War are not merely names confined to the pages of history; they are the very foundation of the nation’s existence, independence, and dignity. He said it is a moral responsibility to pass on the story of their sacrifices to the new generation. “In that spirit, it is our bounden duty to make the history of those from Dhaka University who were martyred in the Liberation War known to all,” he added. Through this initiative, the memories of the martyrs have been made visible across the campus, while also fostering among young students a deeper understanding of the Liberation War, a sense of responsibility, and an interest in learning the authentic history. The Chhatra Dal leader further expressed hope that such initiatives related to independence and sovereignty would continue in the future and would be regarded as an exemplary effort in preserving the memory of the martyrs.

Dhaka University observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day today through a series of programs. On this occasion, black flags were hoisted at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and other important buildings of the university. Led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, floral wreaths were laid at the graveyard adjacent to the university’s central mosque, the memorial at Jagannath Hall premises, memorials in various residential areas, and the Martyred Intellectuals Memorials at Mirpur and Rayer Bazaar. Special prayers were offered at the university’s central mosque and mosques of different residential halls seeking the eternal peace of the souls of the martyred intellectuals, while special prayers were also held at other places of worship. Marking the day, a discussion meeting was organized at the auditorium of the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of the university. At the beginning of the discussion, a one-minute silence was observed in tribute to the martyrs. The meeting was addressed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Professor Sajeda Banu, younger sister of martyred intellectual Gias Uddin Ahmed, DUCSU Vice-President Abu Shadik kayem, along with leaders of the University of Dhaka Officers’ Association, the Third level Employees’ Association, and the Technical Employees’ Association. Deans of various faculties, chairpersons of departments, directors of institutes, the proctor, provosts, teachers, heads of different offices, officers, and employees were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that the historic events of 1952, 1969, 1971, 1990, and 2024 are not contradictory to one another; rather, they have collectively shaped Bangladesh’s national identity and history. He emphasized that the nation must remain aware and united against ongoing political attempts to create divisions by setting these events against each other. He further said that the sacrifice of the martyred intellectuals is not merely a part of memorable history; it forms the foundation of the nation’s unity, identity, and existence. As long as this sacrifice remains alive in collective memory, the unity of the nation will remain intact.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) staged a protest march today evening condemning the shooting of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson and aspiring independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, Sharif Osman Hadi, who was critically injured after armed assailants opened fire on him in the capital’s Paltan area today. The procession began in front of the DUCSU building and paraded through several roads on campus before ending at the VC Chhatar. During the march, students chanted various slogans, including “We are all Hadi,” “We will speak even at gunpoint,” “Bullets pierce Hadi’s chest-what is the administration doing?” among others. At the rally, Sadik Shikdar, VP of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall Union, said, "The Bangladesh we earned in exchange for the blood of thousands of martyrs has been handed over to an interim government that has failed to ensure the security of the July revolutionaries. We demand the immediate arrest and trial of the terrorists who shot Hadi." Wishing Hadi’s speedy recovery, DUCSU AGS Mohiuddin Khan said, "Osman Hadi’s struggle is essentially our struggle. His struggle represents the struggle of July." Meanwhile, at 5 PM, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) brought out a protest march from the Dhaka Medical College Hospital premises. The procession marched around the Shaheed Minar, Rusel Tower, and the streets adjacent to Jagannath Hall before returning to the DMCH compound. JCD central committee president Rakibul Islam Rakib, general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, DU unit president Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, general secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, and leaders from different levels participated in the march. Speaking there, JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib said, "The attack on Osman Hadi just one day after the announcement of the national election schedule is a conspiracy to sabotage the election. Hadi is an active participant of the July movement. The attack clearly exposes the failure of the interim government." Addressing the interim government, he said, "We urge the interim authorities to immediately bring the attackers to justice. A certain group is trying to destabilize the country-your duty is to stop them." DU students protest under banner of ‘Students Against Terrorism’ A group of Dhaka University students also held a protest rally under the banner ‘Students Against Terrorism,’ demanding justice and accountability for the attack. The rally was held at 5:30 PM in front of the Raju Sculpture on campus. Demanding the arrest of the culprits, DU student Reyadul Islam said, "We have always trusted the law and relied on state institutions. But today we face the tragic outcome of that trust-our beloved brother Hadi is fighting for his life after being shot.”

The final list of candidates for the Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (SUCSU) and hall union elections were published on Thursday. Chief Returning Officer Professor Dr. Abul Mukit Mohammad Moqaddes released the list on the SUCSU website. For the central union, 4 candidates are finalized for Vice President (VP): Delowar Hasan (Shishir), Muhyi Sharad, Mominur Rashid Shuvo, and Md. Mostakim Billah. 7 candidates are confirmed for General Secretary (GS): Md. Mujahidul Islam, Faisal Hossain, Maruf Billah, Junaid Ahmed, Md. Saifur Rahman, Md. Palash Bakhtiar, and Md. Junaid Hasan. The Election Commission also finalized candidates for other central posts, including 4 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS), 2 for Sports Secretary, 4 for Assistant Sports Secretary, 2 for Literature & Annual Secretary, 3 for Cultural Secretary, 2 for Liberation & Democratic Movement Secretary, 3 for Religion & Harmony Secretary, 3 for Social Welfare Secretary, 4 for Female Affairs Secretary, 4 for Health & Environment Secretary, 5 for Education, Research & Career Development Secretary, 5 for Information & Technology Secretary, 4 for International Affairs Secretary, 4 for Transport Secretary, 4 for Cafeteria & Canteen Secretary, and 5 for Law & Human Rights Secretary. A total of 28 candidates were finalized for general member positions. For the five residential halls, 11 candidates are confirmed for VP, 9 for GS, and 9 for AGS in each hall. After almost 28 years, elections will be held for 23 central union posts and nine posts in each of the six hall unions. Voting is scheduled for 20 January 2026.

A group of Dhaka University students forced Awami League-leaning teacher A K M Jamal Uddin to leave the campus after chasing him as he stepped out of the Faculty of Social Sciences’ teachers’ lounge. Around 1 pm on Thursday, as he and others came out of the building, a group of students led by DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A B Zubayer began chasing Jamal. A video circulating on social media shows Zubayer grabbing Jamal’s clothes on the staircase of the Social Sciences Building in an attempt to stop him. In an effort to free himself, Jamal pulled off his hoodie. When he ran down the stairs and tried to escape, Zubayer continued to chase him. Eventually, Jamal got into a car, while Zubayer kept pulling at the car door, attempting to drag him out. DU student Abdur Rahman said that students had gathered after hearing that several Awami-leaning teachers, including Sociology Department teachers A K M Jamal and Zeenat Huda, were holding a secret meeting in the Faculty of Social Sciences’ teachers’ lounge around noon. He said, “In July, A K M Jamal Uddin talked about giving students brushfire treatment. He wanted to keep Sheikh Hasina in power for five more years without elections. “These Awami-leaning teachers even formed a human chain against the students. Zeenat Huda and others were present at a meeting with Hasina at Ganabhaban as representatives of teachers. Students have boycotted them. Students of the department have even locked their office doors,” Abdur Rahman added. DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary A B Zubayer wrote in a Facebook post, “Awami League’s wicked teacher A K M Jamal, who said the children of so-called self-proclaimed Razakars should be caught and given brushfire, along with Nil Dal leader Zeenat Huda and three other collaborators of fascists, came to campus today and joined a secret meeting. Upon receiving the news, we tried to detain them and hand them over to the police. But unfortunately, the scoundrels escaped in a vehicle they had prepared beforehand!”