United News of Bangladesh

A protest erupted at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) on Monday night following the Election Commission's announcement banning elections of any organisation or association, including professional bodies, across the country ahead of the 13th parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. Soon after the EC's declaration, students of SUST gathered in front of the university's IICT building around 11pm and staged a protest, causing unrest on the campus late at night. Aggrieved students said the decision would further delay the student council elections, which have already been postponed for a long time citing national elections, and described the move as a violation of students' democratic rights. Mujahidul Islam, a candidate for the post of general secretary of the Shibir-supported Durbar Sastian Oikya Panel, said the continued postponement of the student council polls was unacceptable. "The student council elections have been delayed for a long time. Now they are being stopped again in the name of national elections. We want our representation. This is our fundamental right, and we will not accept this conspiracy," he said. The protesters demanded immediate withdrawal of the EC's announcement and warned of stricter action if their demands were not met.

Md. Riazul Islam, Vice President (VP), and Abdul Alim Arif, General Secretary (GS) of Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU), have been elected President and Secretary of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Jagannath University (JnU) unit. The committee for the 2026 session was formed at an emergency members’ meeting of the JnU unit on Monday afternoon. The election was conducted by Central International Affairs Secretary Mu‘tasim Billah Shahedi, with Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah present as the chief guest. According to sources, voting for the unit president was held using ballot papers signed by the Central President. After counting, Md. Riazul Islam, who received the highest number of votes, was declared President by Secretary General Sibgatullah, who later administered the oath. Based on members’ consultations, the newly elected President Md. Riazul Islam nominated Abdul Alim Arif as Unit Secretary and Md. Ibrahim Khalil as Organizing Secretary.  

A team of researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has developed a low-cost, environment-friendly stove named the “BAU Biochar Stove,” which can be used simultaneously for cooking and biochar (organic charcoal) production. The innovation has been developed with funding from the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust (BCCT) under the leadership of Prof. Md. Shahiduzzaman of the Department of Parasitology, BAU. The research team also includes Dr. Mohammad Mofizur Rahman Jahangir of the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences student Md. Ashikuzzaman, also UNB's campus correspondent, Mohammad Sohan, PhD student Sumon Chandro Mohanto, and Netrokona Government College student Md. Al Nur Tarak. The project is currently being implemented at the field level in Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur district. According to the researchers, the stove allows high-temperature cooking at 300 to 600°C while simultaneously producing biochar for climate-smart crop and livestock production. It is particularly suitable for households that regularly use firewood, coal, or similar fuels for cooking. While conventional biochar production is relatively expensive, the newly developed stove enables biochar production at a very low cost and is farmer-friendly. Explaining the scientific aspect, Project Director Dr. Md. Shahiduzzaman told UNB that biochar is a special form of charcoal produced at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. He said the stove was developed following scientific principles, and quality analysis of the produced biochar showed a high inorganic carbon content, making it high-quality biochar with strong carbon sequestration potential. He added that the use of this biochar would help reduce methane emissions from agricultural land, livestock, and manure, thereby contributing to climate-friendly crop and livestock production. Dr. Jahangir said laboratory analysis revealed that the biochar produced from the stove contains high inorganic carbon along with other essential components. Farmers can use the stove for daily cooking and simultaneously produce biochar to apply to their fields along with fertilizers. He further noted that biochar is globally recognized as an effective method for improving soil quality. Although its use has only recently begun in Bangladesh, high production costs have been a major barrier. The newly developed cost-effective stove automatically produces biochar during cooking, addressing this challenge. Md. Ashikuzzaman said the stove was initially designed using software, its feasibility was tested, and it was developed using locally available materials at a very low cost. Observations showed that cooking with the stove requires less time and fuel compared to conventional methods. Feedback from farmers also confirmed these benefits, as they are producing quality biochar free of cost through their daily cooking. Abdul Hamid, a trial user from Bhabakhali in Mymensingh, said the stove is particularly suitable for char areas as well as urban and rural regions due to its fuel efficiency and reduced cooking time. He expressed confidence that the stove would gain popularity across Bangladesh. Another user, Parvin Begum from Mithapukur in Rangpur, said she cooks daily meals for a family of seven to eight members using the stove. “Now I am using this stove instead of my traditional one,” she said, adding that cooking now takes much less time and requires a significantly smaller amount of firewood than before.

Khulna University administration has suspended Professor Dr. Rubel Ansar of Bengali Department for two years following allegations of sexual harassment by a female student. The information was disclosed on Sunday in a letter issued by the university’s acting registrar Professor Dr. S M Mahbubur Rahman. According to university sources, in August last year, a female student accused Professor Rubel Ansar of indecent behavior, sexual harassment, and proposing an unethical relationship. Shortly afterward, another female student from a different department submitted a similar complaint. A seven-member committee was formed to investigate both allegations. On December 26, Sexual Harassment Prevention Center of the university submitted two separate reports to the committee. Both reports were adopted at the university’s 234th syndicate meeting on December 28. Professor Dr. S M Mahbubur Rahman said the syndicate based on the committee’s recommendations decided to relieve Professor Rubel Ansar from one of the allegations. Khulna University student found hanging at residence Regarding the second allegation, he has been suspended from all teaching, examination, and administrative duties in the Bengali Department for the next two years. The registrar added that although Professor Rubel Ansar is barred from classes and examinations he will continue to receive his salary and other benefits during the suspension period. When contacted, Professor Rubel Ansar said he had received the university’s letter and would comment on the matter later.

Candidates backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir under the “Odomyo Jobian Oikko” panel have won the Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS) and Assistant General Secretary (AGS) posts in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election. The results of 38 polling centers, out of a total of 40, were announced at 1:00 am on Thursday (January 8) by Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan. For the Vice President (VP) post, Riazul Islam of the Shibir-backed Odomyo Jobian Oikko panel secured 5,564 votes, defeating his nearest rival A.K.M. Rakib of the Chhatra Dal-backed Oikkoboddho Nirvik Jobian panel, who received 4,688 votes. The margin of victory was 880 votes. In the General Secretary (GS) race, Abdul Alim Arif of the Shibir-backed panel won with 5,470 votes. His closest opponent, Khadijat-ul Kubra of the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, obtained 2,203 votes. The Shibir-backed candidate secured 3,267 more votes than his rival. Meanwhile, for the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) post, Masud Rana of the Shibir-backed Odomyo Jobian Oikko panel received 5,002 votes, while B.M. Atikur Tanzil of the Chhatra Dal-backed Oikkoboddho Nirvik Jobian panel garnered 3,868 votes. It is noteworthy that 16,645 voters were registered in the JnUCSU election, with an overall voter turnout of approximately 65 percent, according to Election Commissioner Zulfikar Mahmud. On the same day, elections were also held for the Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall Students’ Union, the university’s only women’s hall. Of the 1,242 registered voters there, turnout was approximately 77 percent.

The policy-making body of University of Dhaka, the Syndicate, has recommended renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall as Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall and removing the names of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family members from five university facilities. The recommendation was made at a Syndicate meeting held on Thursday, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan. According to the decision, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall will be renamed Bir Protik Captain Setara Begum Hall, while Athletes Sultana Kamal Hostel will be renamed after Bir Protik Captain Taramon Bibi. In addition, the names of two staff residential buildings—Russell Tower and Bangabandhu Tower—are also recommended to be changed. DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed the matter, saying the decisions were taken following demands from students, DUCSU and hall parliaments. “All procedures were followed properly. The Syndicate’s recommendations will now be placed before the Senate. Once approved by the Senate, the name changes will be implemented,” he said. The Syndicate also formed charges against four teachers of the Sociology Department based on the report of a fact-finding committee, which was formed following student complaints over their roles and comments during and prior to the July mass uprising. The four teachers are former Jagannath University vice-chancellor Prof Sadeka Halim, Prof A K M Jamal, Teachers’ Association General Secretary Prof Jinat Huda and Prof Mashiur Rahman. Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said the fact-finding committee found serious allegations against the four teachers. As a result, show-cause notices will be issued asking why they should not be dismissed from the university. An investigation committee will now examine the charges in detail. He added that two other teachers, initially under scrutiny, will receive warning letters as recommended by the fact-finding committee.

The “Australian Education Expo 2026” was held in the capital to showcase the vast higher education opportunities available for Bangladeshi students. The expo was organized by Executive Study Abroad, education consultancy with 24 consecutive years of experience and the highest visa success rate from Bangladesh. The day-long event took place on Thursday at Hotel Sheraton, Dhaka, and featured participation from 30 renowned Australian universities and education institutions, including globally reputed universities such as Monash University, Macquarie University, and Adelaide University.  The expo was inaugurated by Mohammad Rabbani Hossain, Chief Executive  of Executive Study Abroad. Also present were Sajjadur Rahman, Director of the organization, Farhana Nazrin, General Manager, along with representatives from various Australian universities. One of the key attractions of the expo was the opportunity for students to meet university representatives directly. Students were able to obtain detailed information on scholarships and, in many cases, secure on-the-spot admissions. University representatives also highlighted important aspects such as part-time work opportunities during study, post-graduation employment prospects, and the practical realities of living and building a career in Australia. The organizers said that support for students will continue even after the expo. Interested students can receive free admission guidance and visa assistance without any service fees from Executive Study Abroad’s offices in Banani and Dhanmondi. World-class education, a modern research environment, and real opportunities to build an international career after graduation have made Australia one of the top study destinations for students worldwide.  Many universities ranked among the world’s best are located in this advanced and vibrant country. 

The Election Commission has announced the results of eight polling centres of Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election, revealing a tightly contested race for the Vice President (VP) post, with a margin of just six votes between the two leading candidates. According to the results available until 10:30am on Wednesday (January 07, 2026), the Shibir-backed panel “Odommo Jobiyan Oikya” is leading in all three top posts. For the VP post, Shibir-backed candidate Riazul Islam is ahead with 810 votes, narrowly leading Chhatra Dal-backed candidate AKM Rakib, who secured 804 votes. Read more: JnUCSU Elections: Shibir-backed panel leads in key posts at four centres In the General Secretary (GS) race, Shibir panel’s Abdul Alim Arif obtained 825 votes, while Chhatra Dal-backed Khadijat-ul-Kobra received 422 votes. For the Assistant General Secretary (AGS) post, Shibir candidate Masud Rana garnered 799 votes, surpassing Chhatra Dal candidate Atiqur Rahman Tanzil, who received 690 votes. Despite trailing in the top three posts and most editorial positions, the Chhatra Dal-backed panel is leading in the Library Secretary and Cultural Secretary posts. Several of its candidates are also performing strongly in the Executive Member races. Vote counting in the JnUCSU election was suspended for a prolonged period due to mechanical faults. The process later resumed using a combination of manual and machine counting, though authorities failed to complete the counting within the expected timeframe. Counting resumed again around 12:45am on Tuesday after a five-hour break, but by 10:30am on Wednesday, results from only eight centres had been announced. Votes from the remaining 31 polling centres are yet to be counted. Read more: JnUCSU Vote Counting Suspended Due to Technical Malfunction The polling centres whose results have been announced are Anthropology, Public Administration, Geography, Pharmacy, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Microbiology, Finance and Genetic Engineering.

The Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel has taken the lead in the posts of Vice President (VP), General Secretary (GS) and Assistant General Secretary (AGS) in four out of 39 centres in the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election. The JnUCSU Election Commission announced the results from the four centres at around 7:00 am on Wednesday (January 07, 2026). According to the results declared so far, Shibir-backed VP candidate Riaz ul Islam is leading with a total of 427 votes, while Chhatra Dal’s AKM Rakib has secured 394 votes. In the GS race, Shibir’s Abdul Alim Arif is ahead with 385 votes, compared to 205 votes for Chhatra Dal’s Khadijatul Kubra. Read more: Neck-and-neck race for VP in JnUCSU polls:  results of 8 polling centres announced For the AGS post, Shibir-backed Masud Rana is leading with 405 votes, while Chhatra Dal’s BM Atikur Rahman Tanzil has obtained 321 votes. In the Department of Geography and Environment, VP candidate Riaz ul Islam received 100 votes, while AKM Rakib secured 91 votes. In the GS post, Abdul Alim Arif bagged 90 votes against Khadijatul Kubra’s 45. For AGS, Masud Rana received 98 votes, while BM Atikur Rahman Tanzil got 45 votes. In the Department of Anthropology, Riaz ul Islam received 128 votes for the VP post, while AKM Rakib secured 118 votes. In the GS race, Abdul Alim Arif received 123 votes, compared to 73 votes for Khadijatul Kubra. However, in the AGS post, Chhatra Dal’s BM Atikur Rahman Tanzil led with 126 votes, while Masud Rana received 102 votes. In the Department of Public Administration, VP candidate Riaz ul Islam secured 122 votes, while AKM Rakib received 132 votes. In the GS post, Abdul Alim Arif received 123 votes against 62 votes for Khadijatul Kubra. For AGS, Masud Rana obtained 130 votes, while BM Atikur Rahman Tanzil got 106 votes. In the Department of Pharmacy, Riaz ul Islam received 78 votes in the VP race, while AKM Rakib secured 53 votes. In the GS post, Abdul Alim Arif received 83 votes, compared to Khadijatul Kubra’s 26 votes. For AGS, Masud Rana obtained 78 votes, while BM Atikur Rahman Tanzil secured 45 votes. Earlier, around 1:00 am, Election Commissioner Professor Shahidul Islam said votes from one centre, where around 300 ballots were cast, were initially counted manually. The same ballots were later recounted using two Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) machines. The machine whose results matched the manual count was selected to complete the counting for the remaining centres. Following the decision, recounting began with 278 votes from the Department of Anthropology. The vote-counting process was suspended around 9:20 pm on Tuesday after technical problems were detected in the counting machine. After the issue was resolved, the Election Commission resumed counting following a prolonged break. Voting in the JnUCSU and hall council elections was held on Tuesday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at 39 centres and 178 booths. Read more: JnUCSU Vote Counting Suspended Due to Technical Malfunction Despite the scheduled closing time, long queues were seen at several departmental centres, and voters waiting in line were allowed to cast their ballots. The voter turnout in the election was said to be approximately 65 per cent.

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.