United News of Bangladesh

A total of 163 government primary school teachers in Sylhet district have faced departmental action for remaining absent without taking official leave. The growing trend has led to widespread teacher shortages, affecting classroom learning in several upazilas. According to the Sylhet District Primary Education Office, from January 2024 to September 2025, departmental action was taken against 163 teachers for unauthorised long-term absence. Of these, 140 cases have been resolved, with most of the teachers dismissed from service, while the remaining cases are still under investigation. Data from the Primary Education Office shows the highest number of absentee teachers came from Bishwanath 24. Other upazila-wise figures include:  20 in Beanibazar upazila, 16 in Sylhet Sadar, 11 in Balaganj, 4 in Fenchuganj, 12 in Golapganj, 16 in Zakiganj, 7in  Kanaighat, 4 in Jaintapur, 10 in Gowainghat, 1 in Companiganj, 18 in South Surma and 20 in Osmaninagar. Sources say many of the teachers went abroad using travel or work visas without resigning, leaving schools understaffed. Recruitment of new teachers has also been stalled due to the vacancies not being officially declared or processed in time. Shakhawat Ershed, director of the Sylhet District Primary Education Office, said  action has been taken against teachers who are absent for more than 60 days without approved leave. He added that 788 head teacher posts and 750 assistant teacher posts are currently vacant in the district, compounding the staffing crisis in primary schools.

The Islamic University (IU) unit of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP's student front has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the immediate cancellation of two recent teacher recruitment boards, accusing the university administration of political favoritism and compromising merit-based appointments. JCD staged a sit-in protest in the courtyard of the administration building on Saturday afternoon, calling for the annulment of the recruitment processes - one in the Department of Folklore Studies (held on October 9) and the other in the Department of Law and Land Management (held on October 10). Chhatra Dal alleged that the boards were manipulated to benefit 'ruling party' affiliates and members of pro-government student wings. The reference to 'ruling party' is understood to mean the NCP, part of the political rhetoric, even though on the basis of facts, the party cannot be described as such. In addition to the recruitment issue, the protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the murder of Sajid Abdullah, a student of the Department of Al-Quran and Islamic Studies, and justice for the recent assault on a university bus driver. Case filed over assault on IU bus driver in Jhenaidah Following the demonstration, a delegation led by unit Convener Sahed Ahmed and Secretary Masud Rumi Mithun met with Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Ayakub Ali to formally present their demands. Joint Convener Anwar Parvez, Anarul Islam, Rokon Uddin, Abu Dawood, Ahsan Habib were also present. Chhatra Dal claimed that in the Folklore Studies recruitment, candidates affiliated with the Awami League were allowed to sit for exams despite lacking proper qualifications. They also criticized the appointment of 'a controversial figure' as chairperson of the Law and Land Management board. Shahed Ahmed accused the administration of betraying academic integrity.  “This administration has shamelessly prioritized political interests over merit,” he said. “We demand the immediate cancellation of these recruitment boards within 48 hours. Justice must also be served for Sajid’s murder and the attack on our bus driver.”

A case has been lodged with Jhenaidah police station on Saturday following the assault of a bus driver of Islamic University in Kushtia. IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque filed the case with the police station against 20 to 30 unnamed persons in this connection, said Jhenaidah police station officer-in-charge Abdullah Al Mamun. According to the case statement, an IU bus, named Kuhelika (registration: Kushtia-S 11-0002), traveling from Kushtia to Jhenaidah, was forcibly stopped by a group of men near the Srijoni fuel pump at Arappur Bus Stand in the district around 9pm on Friday. A man boarded the bus and began physically attacking the driver throwing kicks and punches, while others surrounded the vehicle and joined in the assault, leaving the bus driver Mahfuzur Rahman Polton critically injured on the spot. Eventually, local residents and staff from nearby hotels intervened to prevent further violence, helping to rescue Polton from the attackers. During the confrontation, the assailants reportedly issued threats, warning that any future IU-operated buses entering Jhenaidah would be vandalized or blocked. Polton was subsequently admitted to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital for medical treatment. In a statement, he recounted the harrowing experience, saying, "While driving to Jhenaidah, my bus was forcibly stopped. A man climbed on board and started hitting me. Others joined in, and I eventually lost consciousness inside the bus." In response, IU acting registrar Professor Dr. Manjurul Haque said, "The complaint has been officially filed with the Jhenaidah Police. The university’s transport department is conducting its own internal investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and ensure the safety of its personnel."

The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) authorities have withdrawn the expulsion order of 25 students who were punished over ragging allegations. The decision came following continuous protests and a class and exam boycott by students. A notice signed by the university registrar on Saturday said, “Based on discussions between department heads and students, and following relevant recommendations, the decision to expel the students has been withdrawn. The matter will be placed before the next syndicate meeting for information.” 1 SUST student expelled, 24 suspended  over ragging Earlier, at its 237th meeting on September 25, the university syndicate expelled 25 students from the Economics and Statistics departments. Protesting the decision, students boycotted classes and exams, saying the issue had been resolved a year ago but the administration unfairly enforced the punishment.    

The launching ceromony of a new Young Learner English Centre at International Hope School Bangladesh (IHSB), Uttara campus was held on Saturday on its premise in the city.  The British Council has expanded its English language teaching network with the school which is the first and only school in the country that the council are partnering with. Head of Primary Section of IHSB Nazmun Nahar said the new centre at International Hope School Bangladesh, Uttara campus, is expected to become a vibrant hub for children and teenagers eager to improve their English in an engaging and supportive environment. Emphasising the school’s commitment to holistic education and global readiness, Principal Roksana Zarin said the importance of English proficiency is a must for academic success and future opportunities. She also stressed that the English Language Center will provide a structured, internationally recognized curriculum and enhance students’ confidence in communication, prepare young learners for global competitiveness. Chairman of Stirling Education (parent organization of International Hope School Bangladesh) Timothy Donald Fisher focused on the strategic partnership with British Council Bangladesh. Mentioning that the programme will bring world-class teaching standards to the school premises, he said the centre will offer certifications recognized worldwide, adding value to students’ profiles and strengthen the school’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution.   Stephen Forbes, Country Director Bangladesh, British Council said the day marks the beginning of a new partnership; one rooted in a shared belief: that strong English skills open doors to opportunity, confidence, and a world of connections. Together, the British Council and International Hope School are launching this new English Language Centre to give young learners those very tools. The centre has been established to provide children and teenagers aged 7–17 with greater access to high-quality English learning in northern Dhaka, complementing the existing Fuller Road centre in the south-central part of the city. This initiative addresses families' demand for shorter commutes and improved accessibility. Led by Cambridge-qualified teachers, the British Council's courses for young learners are designed to spark creativity and imagination while developing strong communication skills. Parents will also receive structured updates to track their child's progress and celebrate learning milestones. For over 90 years, the British Council has supported peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between the UK and countries worldwide. Through its education, arts, culture and language programmes, it empowers learners of all ages to enhance their academic, professional and personal growth.  

People from all walks of life paid their last tribute to eminent writer, essayist, and Emeritus Professor of the English Department at Dhaka University Syed Manzoorul Islam at Aparajeyo Bangla of Dhaka University and the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday. The body of Manzoorul Islam was taken to Aparajeyo Bangla of Dhaka University at around 10:30 am and then it was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar for people of all walks of life to pay their last respects. At Aparajeyo Bangla, Chairperson of English Department Professor Dr. Tazin Aziz Chaudhury, former and current students of the English Department, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof D. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, and teachers and students of various departments, among others, paid tributes by placing wreaths on his coffin. Former Industries Minister Nurul Majid no more His namaz-e-janaza will be held at Dhaka University Central Mosque after Zohr prayers and then he will be buried at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard in Mirpur. Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam passed away on Friday afternoon. He was 74. Prof Manzoorul Islam breathed his last at 5:00 pm while undergoing treatment at LabAid Hospital in the capital. Last Friday, Professor Islam had suffered a massive heart attack while on his way to the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).  

Fifty students from the 59th batch of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have secured internship placements in six countries across Asia and Europe. The announcement came at the inauguration of the faculty’s 22nd internship program, held Friday at the Syed Nazrul Islam Auditorium on the BAU campus. According to the faculty, 33 students will go to Thailand, 10 to Malaysia, two to Japan, three to Indonesia, one to Germany, and one to Nepal. The rest will complete their internships at 12 different locations across Bangladesh. BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan attended as chief guest, while Mr. Jayanta Dutta Gupta, General Manager of Square Pharmaceuticals’ Agrovet and Crop Care Division, was present as special guest. Prof. Dr. Md. Bahanur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, chaired the event. Prof. Bhuiyan told students, “When you go abroad, you carry the name of BAU with you. Behave responsibly and uphold the university’s reputation.” He said the internship program now gives students hands-on exposure in real-world settings-both in Bangladesh and abroad. A total of 193 students from the faculty will join internships this year at 12 local and international institutions.  

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal staged a demonstration at Islamic University in Kushtia on Friday, alleging that members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League were involved in a teacher recruitment examination. The protesters demanded a fascism-free and merit-based recruitment process, claiming that partisan influence was undermining fairness in university appointments. The demonstration began around 10am in front of the Ibn Sina Academic Building, minutes before the written test for teacher recruitment of the Law and Land Management department was set to begin. Earlier, representatives of Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Union, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement held a meeting with the university administration. Following the discussion, JCD leaders submitted a written memorandum to the vice-chancellor. In the memorandum, the JCD alleged that during the Folklore Studies department recruitment test held on Thursday, a candidate named Rakibul Islam Rakib—reportedly linked to the banned Chhatra League—was allowed to participate. They termed it an ‘insult to the spirit of the July Movement’ and the sacrifices of its martyrs. The statement also said that the Law and Land Management department held its recruitment exams (written and viva) on Friday, with candidates allegedly tied to the Chhatra League also taking part. IU vice-chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali, acting registrar Professor Manjurul Haque, and proctor Professor Shahinuzzaman, along with JCD convener Sahed Ahmed, the member secretary, senior joint convener, and other student leaders were present during the meeting. JCD convener Sahed alleged that Rakibul, a known Chhatra League activist, was among those who passed the Folklore Studies department recruitment test. "He’s long been associated with the Chhatra League and acted as one of its key funders. It seems efforts are underway to rehabilitate the banned group at IU," he said. Despite their written complaint, the university administration continued with the exams, he added. In response, IU VC said that candidates were selected purely on merit. "Anyone qualified could sit for the test, regardless of political views. Recruitment will be based solely on written, viva, and academic performance," he said. The written exam for the Law and Land Management department, originally scheduled for 10:00am, began an hour late, around 11:00am, drawing frustration among candidates.

With the theme “The Mighty Egg: Packed with Natural Nutrition”, World Egg Day 2025 was celebrated across Bangladesh on Friday with vibrant programs and enthusiastic participation from people of all walks of life. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC), World’s Poultry Science Association-Bangladesh Branch, along with various government and non-government livestock organizations, and livestock-related degree-awarding universities including Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University observed the day through colorful rallies, award ceremonies, poster presentations, and free egg distribution programs. At BAU, the Faculty of Veterinary Science distributed a total of 2,500 eggs. Of these, 1,000 eggs were donated to three orphanages- Al Manar Orphanage and two others in Char Nilakshia while another 500 will be distributed at two local schools on Sunday. The rest were handed out to students, pedestrians, and day laborers in front of the faculty gate. Rickshaw-puller Md Shafik expressed his delight, saying, “We work hard every day, but it’s not always possible to buy eggs. Getting free eggs today really made me happy. If programs like this happened more often, it would help people like us a lot.” BAU student Arafat Hossain said, “An egg isn’t just food, it’s a source of strength. I feel proud to be part of this program. Everyone should eat at least one egg a day.” To recognize significant contributions to egg production and poultry farming in Bangladesh, two entrepreneurs and one farmer were honored by the Faculty of Veterinary Science. The awardees are Dr. Mohammad Kamruzzaman Masud, Chairman of VNF Agro Ltd; Dr. Md Shahadat Hossain, Proprietor of S.S. Agrovet; and Md. Alamgir Kabir, a poultry farmer from Muktagacha. Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prof. Dr. Md. Bahanur Rahman, said, “Eggs are nature’s complete food, rich in nearly all essential nutrients. They not only provide energy but also ensure the health of people of all ages- from children to the elderly. Eating an egg every day means ensuring nutritional security for oneself and one’s family. That’s the message we want to spread through this celebration.” Since 1996, World Egg Day has been observed worldwide on the second Friday of October to promote awareness about the nutritional benefits of eggs, highlight their role in meeting protein demand, and contribute to building a healthy and intelligent nation.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has once again been named among Bangladesh’s leading higher education institutions, jointly securing the top position in the country according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. The UK-based organisation, in collaboration with Elsevier Journal, released the rankings on Thursday (9 October), evaluating universities globally based on teaching, research environment, research quality, industry impact, and international outlook. This year, five Bangladeshi universities were placed in the 801–1000 bracket worldwide. Alongside Jahangirnagar University, the list includes the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh Agricultural University in Gazipur, Daffodil International University, and North South University. The THE World University Rankings 2026 features a total of 3,118 universities worldwide. Of these, 28 institutions from Bangladesh appeared on the list, with 19 receiving direct rankings and nine recognised as ‘reporters’. Times Higher Edu Ranking: Dhaka University climbs 200 places Globally, the top five universities remain the University of Oxford, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Princeton University, the University of Cambridge, and Harvard University. Earlier, on 23 April, THE published its Asia University Rankings 2025, where Jahangirnagar University was placed in the 351–400 bracket among Asian universities and jointly held the top position in Bangladesh with the same four institutions. The repeated recognition highlights Jahangirnagar University’s continued strength in research, teaching, and its expanding global presence.