United News of Bangladesh

Voting in the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election is underway peacefully, though allegations of irregularities centering a polling station have surfaced. Candidates backed by Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal alleged that ballots were being cast without signature from the presiding officer at room No-214 of the IT Building centre. Shibir-supported vice president candidate Ibrahim Roni alleged their polling agents informed them that 15–20 ballot papers without the presiding officer’s signature were dropped into the box in room No-214. “No ballot can be accepted without signature. Later, we were told that the Election Commission will review the issue in front of the agents and decide,” he said. Historic CUCSU elections underway after 35 years Meanwhile, Chhatra Dal-backed VP contestant Sajjad Hossain also alleged that the indelible ink applied to voters’ thumbs before casting ballots was being wiped off. Acknowledging the issue, assistant presiding officer of the room Prof Hasan Khaled Rauf said 12 unsigned ballots were mistakenly cast. “The polling agents made the mistake. They are new and inexperienced. However, the entire process is being monitored under CCTV surveillance, ensuring transparency,” he said, adding that the Election Commission is taking action in this regard. The CUCSU polls, being held on Wednesday for the first time in 35 years, began at 9 am and will continue until 4 pm. The voting is going on across 15 centres in five buildings under Business Administration, Social Sciences, Science, and Arts & Humanities faculties amid a festive atmosphere.  

After 35 years, elections to the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) and hall unions are being held today (Wednesday). Voting for the 7th CUCSU election runs from 9am to 4pm, with counting to begin immediately after polls close.  Fourteen LED screens across the campus will display live updates. Results of the central union will be announced from the Faculty of Business Administration, while hall union results will come from respective centres, according to university authorities. A total of 27,518 students — 16,189 male and 11,329 female — are eligible to vote.  Altogether 415 candidates are contesting 26 CUCSU posts. Polling is taking place in 15 centres across five faculties, including Business Administration, Social Sciences, Science, and Arts and Humanities. An additional booth has been set up at the CUCSU building for differently-abled students. Shibir unveils panel for CUCSU polls The Election Commission has arranged 700 booths in 60 rooms, each equipped with five ballot boxes and five agents. Maximum 500 voters are allowed per centre. Thirteen panels and several independent candidates are contesting the polls. Twenty-four are vying for vice president (VP), 22 for general secretary (GS), and 21 for assistant general secretary (AGS). Other portfolios include sports, culture, publications, welfare, research and IT. Each hall and hostel union has 14 posts, with 908 candidates in total. Each voter will cast up to 40 votes on five ballot papers. Ballot counting will be conducted through the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) system. To facilitate transportation, 11 shuttle train trips and 30 buses have been arranged for students. The entire campus has been placed under tight security, with about 1,700 personnel — including police, RAB, APBN, and BGB members — deployed alongside university security staff, Rover Scouts, and BNCC volunteers. The polls schedule was announced on August 28, followed by the final voter list on September 11. Although initially set for October 12, the election was rescheduled to October 15 following student demands. Chief Election Commissioner Prof Dr Munir Uddin said voting is being held across five faculties under CCTV surveillance. Chittagong University abuzz as CUCSU campaign nears end Established in 1966, Chittagong University held its first CUCSU election in 1970.  The last election took place on February 8, 1990, when the Shwarba Daliyo Chatra Oikkwo defeated Islami Chhatra Shibir to secure a majority in both CUCSU and hall unions. Nazim Uddin of Jatiya Chhatra League was elected VP, while Azim Uddin Ahmed of Socialist Students’ Front became GS.

The authorities concerned have taken strict security measures ahead of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU), Senate student representative, and hall union elections scheduled for Thursday. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) Commissioner Mohammad Abu Sufian said that 2,000 police personnel, 12 platoons of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), and six platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will remain deployed across the campus during the election period. He said these after a coordination meeting with law enforcement and university representatives at the university administration building on Tuesday afternoon. “The law enforcement personnel will remain on duty on October 15, 16, and 17, with the period extendable if necessary. Rab and BGB will set up temporary camps within the campus area,” the commissioner added. He also said that no intelligence indicates any untoward incidents so far and the campus situation is peaceful and under control. University Proctor Prof Mahbubur Rahman highlighted the cordial relationship between the administration and local residents, saying that the election environment is normal with no threat of unrest. RUCSU elections rescheduled for October 16 RUCSU Chief Election Commissioner Prof F Nazrul Islam said the election commission has coordinated with law enforcement agencies to ensure a smooth electoral process before, during, and after the elections. He also said that preparations have been completed to conduct a free, fair, and festive election. The election campaign concluded on Tuesday amid accusations between candidates. Nazrul Islam expressed hope that the students’ participation in a peaceful environment will set an example of democratic values in the upcoming election.  

A festive mood has been prevailing on the greenery campus of Chittagong University (CU) as the long-awaited Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) election is going to be held on Wednesday amid tight security, after nearly three decades. The election will form a 26-member central student council for a one-year term, alongside councils for 14 halls and one hostel. Moreover, five nominated CUCSU members will represent students in the university’s highest policy-making body senate. The university authorities have already completed all preparations, including four-tier security arrangements and the presence of magistrates. Voting will take place across five faculties in 60 classrooms with 700 booths. Shuttle trains and buses have been arranged for students’ campus commute while all polling centres have been brought under CCTV surveillance. The election campaign concluded at midnight on Monday and preparations for voting are now underway. Some candidates expressed satisfaction with the overall arrangements, with others raising concerns, though they remain hopeful that the administration will ensure a smooth and orderly election. Rapid Action Battalion (Rab-7) commander Lt. Col Mohammad Hafiz Uddin said that eight plainclothes teams will remain deployed on the campus to monitor the overall security situation. CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Yeahia Akhter urged students to participate actively and help conduct the election in a festive, disciplined manner. This seventh CUCSU election involves 27,516 voters and 908 candidates, including 415 contesting the 26 central council seats through 13 panels and independent nominations. Each voter will cast five ballots for the central council and for 40 candidates in the hall unions. The last CUCSU election took place on February 8, 1990, when the All-Party Student Unity defeated Chhatra Shibir.

Teachers and employees of MPO-listed private educational institutions have threatened that they will march towards the Secretariat from the Central Shaheed Minar if their demands are not met and the government fails to issue a notification by 4pm on Monday. The protesters said their ongoing sit-in and work abstention programmes would continue until the demands are fulfilled. The teachers and employees have been staging demonstrations to press home a three-point demand including 20 percent of the basic salary (or a minimum of Tk 3,000) as house rent allowance. 163 primary school teachers in Sylhet face action for absence without leave They have been staging a sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar while work abstention continues in all MPO-listed institutions. Their other demands are a Tk 1,500 medical allowance for both teachers and employees and increasing the festival allowance for employees to 75 percent. Abdul Barek, a teacher of Darus Sunnat Kamil Madrasa in Kaukhali, Pirojpur, said, “If the notification is not issued by 4pm today, we will march towards the Secretariat.” He alleged that police attacked the protesting teachers on Sunday. “We were beaten indiscriminately. Our teachers were humiliated and injured. Tear gas was fired and one of our colleagues was dragged away. We strongly condemn this and demand justice,” he said. The teachers and employees launched their continuous sit-in on Sunday in front of the Jaitya Press Club, with a large number of participants from across the country. Police dispersed then using batons, sound grenades, and water cannons. Following the police action, the demonstrators moved to the Central Shaheed Minar where they have continued their protest since.  

Chittagong University is abuzz with excitement as student organizations make their final push ahead of the long-awaited Central Students' Union (CUCSU) election, set to take place on Wednesday. The spirited campaign is set to officially end at 11:59pm tonight (Tuesday), with candidates and their supporters actively engaging with students across the campus. Processions, leaflet distribution, and face-to-face outreach are ongoing in various spots, including faculty buildings, dormitory areas, and popular student hubs like Jarultala. Students have expressed strong interest in the election, hoping it will take place in a festive and peaceful atmosphere. “We expect those who win the CSU election to fulfill their promises,” said Taslima Begum, a student. Others echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a positive and cooperative post-election environment. Voting After 35 Years This year’s CUCSU election holds special significance as it comes after a 35-year hiatus. The university authorities have completed all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process. Voting will be held from 9am to 4pm at 60 centers across five academic buildings, covering 15 halls. Each student will cast a total of 40 votes, and the election will use the OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) system to tally results. An average of 400–500 students are expected to vote in each room. Secret booths have been set up, and all centers will be monitored by CCTV cameras. According to the university's Election Commission, a total of 415 candidates are contesting 26 CUCSU posts, while 493 others are vying for 14 Hall Union and 10 Hostel Sangsad positions. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Munir Uddin confirmed that five faculty buildings have been designated as polling centers, with a total of 60 secret booths in place. The total number of registered voters stands at 27,516.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has temporarily suspended 16 students from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology over allegations of ragging first-year students of the 54th batch. The suspended students belong to the 53rd batch of the 2023-24 academic session. The university administration announced the decision in an urgent press release signed by acting Director of Public Relations Mohammad Mohiuddin on Monday evening. According to reports, the incident took place around 11:30 pm on Sunday (Oct 12) in room 403 of Hall 21 (formerly Sheikh Russel Hall). Victims and hall representatives said that the 54th batch students were first called to the Rafique-Zubair courtyard and then directed to room 403, where around 20 freshmen were present. Inside the room, students were asked to stand in two lines, keep their mobile phones off, and all lights, doors, and windows were shut. They were kept in darkness for 15-20 minutes while being questioned about rules and discipline. Following the incident, JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan took action under the university’s 2018 Discipline Ordinance, Section 4(1)(b). Proctor Professor Dr. A K M Rashidul Alam confirmed the suspension and said a three-member investigation committee has been formed. The suspended students are Md. Tanvir Rahman Mun, Md. Abdullah Al Fahad, Abdullah Al Saeed, Md. Abu Talha Roni, Rajib Sheikh, SM Mahamudunnabi, Md. Abu Said, Jannatul Adan, Ahmed Arefin Ratul, Tasnimul Hasan Zubayer, Md. Mahamudul Hasan Fuad, Md. Al Hasib, Md. Abdullah Al Noman, Md. Rakibul Hasan Nibir, Md. Zahidul Islam, and Ushanta Tripura. Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) General Secretary Mazharul Islam said, “No one involved in ragging, directly or indirectly, would be spared.” He also urged all students to greet juniors respectfully and reject such harmful practices. Worker dies after falling from under-construction building at Jahangirnagar University The investigation committee is headed by Maulana Bhasani Hall Principal Professor Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, with Assistant Proctor Dr. Md. Al-Amin Khan and Deputy Registrar (Higher Education & Scholarship) Lutfur Rahman Arif as members. The committee has been instructed to submit a detailed report and recommendations within 21 working days.

On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, JAAGO Foundation reaffirms its commitment to advancing girls’ education and ensuring access to quality learning opportunities for children from underserved communities across Bangladesh. To amplify this message, renowned social media influencers Jessia Islam, Masha Islam, and Tasfia Fatema Tasfi joined hands with JAAGO Foundation, calling on individuals and organisations nationwide to take collective responsibility for empowering girls through education.  Their participation aims to inspire others to support JAAGO’s “Sponsor a Child” program, which enables marginalized children, especially girls, to receive free, quality education. Since its establishment, JAAGO Foundation has been at the forefront of breaking barriers and creating opportunities through education, said a press release. For the past 18 years, the organisation has provided free of cost education to children in remote and rural areas across Bangladesh. With a strong focus on girls’ education, JAAGO currently supports over 5,000 students enrolled in its schools nationwide, 52% of whom are females. Globally, International Day of the Girl Child, first observed by the United Nations in 2011, raises awareness of the unique challenges girls face, such as gender-based violence, child marriage, limited access to education, and discrimination. The day emphasises the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for girls to learn, lead, and thrive, while empowering them to shape the future. In line with this spirit, Jessia Islam, Masha, and Tasfi shared heartfelt video messages on their official social media platforms, urging their audiences to join the movement and make quality education and equal opportunities a reality for every girl. Through continued collaboration and advocacy, JAAGO Foundation remains dedicated to nurturing the potential of every girl so that she can grow, lead, and create change.  To help a Girl Child go to school, sponsors can follow: https://jaago.com.bd/sac-bd  

The results of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations of 2025 will be published on October 16. Dhaka Education Board Chairman and Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee Chairman Prof Dr Khondokar Ehsanul Kabir told the media on Monday. This year, the HSC and its equivalent exams began across the country on June 26. The written exams ended on August 19 and the practical examinations were held from August 21 to 31. HSC results 2024: Over 77% pass rate, GPA-5 achievers surge to 1.45 lakh A total of 12,51,11 students from 11 general Education Boards, Madrasha Board and Technical Board sat for the exams from over 9,000 educational institutions at 2, 797 centres across the country. Of the examinees, there are 6, 18,015 male and 6, 33,096 female students.

Students of seven government colleges are staging a sit-in in front of Shikkha Bhaban in the capital, demanding the promulgation of the ‘Dhaka Central University Ordinance’ within the next three working days. The students brought out a procession in the morning and took position in front of the Shikkha Bhaban around 11 am, halting traffic on the road and in the surrounding areas from Shikkha Bhaban towards the Secretariat. Students stage sit-in before DU proctor's office demanding justice for Shammo Police set up barricades to prevent students from moving towards the Secretariat.