United News of Bangladesh

A group of female students of Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday submitted a memorandum to the university authorities condemning two recent incidents on campus describing them as "unfortunate and deeply concerning" and pressing for a three-point demand aimed at ensuring a discrimination-free environment for female students. The memorandum was submitted to DU Proctor Prof Md Israfil Ratan around 11:00am by DU Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Research and Publications Secretary Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, Executive Member Hema Chakma, Vice-President of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall Students' Union Sanjana Chowdhury Ratri, and several other female students. In the memorandum, the students referred to an incident in which a former DU couple visited Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall to watch a FIFA World Cup match but were allegedly asked to leave the hall. Despite being alumni who entered the campus lawfully, they were reportedly forced to leave solely because a woman was present, with their presence being questioned. The memorandum also cited another incident in which a current DU student was secretly filmed while spending time on campus with a female classmate. The video was later circulated on social media, exposing the pair to ridicule, humiliation and online harassment. The students argued that both incidents reflected a discriminatory attitude towards women, interference in personal freedom, and the growing prevalence of mob culture on campus. They stated that a university should be an open space for knowledge and intellectual exchange, where everyone, regardless of gender, enjoys equal dignity, security and the freedom to move and participate. The memorandum demanded conducting impartial investigations into the two incidents and taking appropriate action against those responsible; adopting clear policies and effective measures to prevent harassment of women, online abuse, secret video recording and mob culture on campus; and ensuring that no administrative or residential decisions discriminate against women or impose unreasonable restrictions on their movement and participation. Earlier, Md Saju Mia, social welfare secretary of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall Students’ Union, allegedly forced a former female student and several alumni to leave the hall while they were watching a World Cup match. In protest, Ratri announced a programme to watch the World Cup match at the Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall playground on Sunday morning. A group of female students participated in the event before proceeding to the Proctor's Office to submit the memorandum.

Dhaka University (DU) has imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders and vehicular movement on its campus during the FIFA World Cup 2026 to ensure the overall security of the university and its students. The decision was announced in an urgent notice issued by the University’s Proctor office on Wednesday. According to the notice, the restrictions came into effect on June 24 and will remain in force during the World Cup period. Under the measures, outsiders will not be allowed to enter the campus, while vehicle movement will be regulated through the university's entry points, including Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, Burn Unit, Shib Bari Crossing, Fuller Road, Palashi Mor and Nilkhet. The notice said only vehicles bearing Dhaka University stickers and those providing emergency services, including ambulances, doctors, patients, journalists, ride-sharing services, food delivery vehicles, online shopping carriers and other government vehicles, will be permitted to enter the campus. However, public transport and heavy vehicles will remain restricted at all times. The university authorities said the measures were taken to maintain security and ensure smooth management of the campus during FIFA World Cup 2026-related activities. The notice also mentioned that the decision may be reviewed and revised from time to time based on the opinions and recommendations of stakeholders and the prevailing situation.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, renowned cardiologist and Vice President of Ziaur Rahman Foundation, is scheduled to visit the University of Dhaka (DU) on Wednesday. Ziaur Rahman Foundation issued a press release in this regard on Tuesday. The foundation is set to organise a month-long tree plantation programme and ‘Search for Future Scientists Science Fair 2026’, marking the 45th death anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman. Zubaida Rahman has consented to inaugurate the programmes as the chief guest at 11 am on Wednesday at the Central Gallery of the Department of Botany, Curzon Hall, University of Dhaka, it said. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam will attend the event as a special guest while ZRF Acting Executive Director Professor Dr Morshed Hasan Khan will preside over the programme.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated a national workshop aimed at transforming Bangladesh’s higher education system into a more modern, inclusive and sustainable one. The workshop, titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence,” began at 10 am at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University. The Prime Minister formally opened the workshp around 11am and deliverd a speech. The programme began with recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by readings from other religious scriptures. A one-minute silence was also observed in honour of the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising. 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. Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon and the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin attended the event as special guests. Policymakers, UGC members, vice-chancellors of public and private universities, teachers, researchers, MPs, diplomats, industry representatives and other stakeholders have taken part in the workshop. Five technical sessions will be held following the inaugural ceremony.

Dhaka University metro rail station will remain non-operational on Tuesday (Pahela Baishakh), the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) said on Monday. Besides, Shahbagh station will remain closed until 12 pm, it said. The metro rail authorities expressed sincere apologies for the temporary inconvenience caused to passengers. Extensive security measures have been taken to ensure that people from all walks of life can celebrate the Bengali New Year peacefully, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Dhaka Metropolitan area has been divided into nine sectors and 14 sub-sectors for effective security management. A large number of police personnel both in uniform and plainclothes will be deployed in each area. Specialised units including dog squads and bomb disposal teams will conduct sweeping operations at key venues. Fourteen security checkpoints with barricades will be set up in areas including Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Dhaka University and cisitors will be screened using archways and handheld metal detectors at entry points. Surveillance will be strengthened through CCTV cameras, video and still cameras, and drones. Observation towers will be installed, rooftops will be monitored, and special forces will also be deployed, he added. To prevent eve-teasing, mugging, and pickpocketing, plainclothes teams will remain active, while additional monitoring systems will be in place to control unauthorised hawker entry. Organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University, Baishakhi Shobhajatra will begin at 9am and follow a route from the faculty through Shahbagh, TSC, and Doel Chattar before returning to the starting point. The entire procession route will remain under strict security and all programmes must conclude by 6pm, said DMP Acting Commissioner Md Sarwar on Sunday .

A group of Dhaka University students besieged Shahbagh Police Station on Tuesday alleging that police assaulted DU student Nayem Uddin, journalists, and others during an anti-narcotics drive at Suhrawardy Udyan on Monday. The protesters gathered in front of the police station around 1 pm and submitted a three-point demand. Their demands included taking punitive action against DC Masud and all police personnel involved in the assault, halting policing activities inside and outside the campus, and ensuring round-the-clock safety and protection of university students. Earlier at 1200 pm, Chhatra Federation held a protest rally at the Raju Sculpture. Dhaka University Central Student Union(DUCSU) also issued a statement condemning the incident and demanded punishment for those responsible. Meanwhile, the left-leaning student alliance ‘Ganatantrik Chhatra Jote’ announced a protest in the evening calling for the removal of DC Masud and action against the police members involved.  

World Cup-winning footballer Mesut Ozil on Tuesday attended the inauguration of renovation works at the Shaheed Buddhijibi Dr Mohammad Mortoza Medical Centre of University of Dhaka. The event was also attended by Bilal Erdogan, son of the Turkish President, along with senior officials from Turkey and Bangladesh. The inauguration ceremony, held at 3pm, marked the opening of renovated facilities including a modern emergency unit, a state-of-the-art ambulance, X-ray and ECG machines, and other essential medical equipment at the university medical centre. Former Germany midfielder Mesut Özil retires at 34 The renovation was completed at a cost of Tk 27.5 million with financial assistance from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan presided over the ceremony. Among others present were Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen, TIKA President Abdullah Eren, TIKA Bangladesh Coordinator Mohammad Ali Arman, teachers from different departments of the university and leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU).

A group of students staged a protest, including the burning of an effigy, against what they described as “defamatory” remarks and false allegations made by a Jamaat leader targeting Dhaka University and its female students. The protest was held on Sunday at around 7 pm in front of the Raju Sculpture on the  Quniversity campus. DUCSU Rarch Secretary Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, member Hema Chakma, leaders of various hall student unions, and leaders from Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shakti, Socialist Students’ Front, and Revolutionary Students’ Unity were present. The protesters demanded that the Jamaat leader withdraw his comments and issue a public apology. Earlier, on Saturday night, during an election campaign, Barguna District Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary Shamim Ahsan reportedly said, “We have seen that after the DUCSU election, DUCSU had become a den of drugs and a brothel, which Islami Chhatra Shibir has been able to change. Therefore, Jamaat-e-Islami is capable of eradicating all forms of injustice, extortion, and corruption from Bangladesh.” Victory Day observed at Dhaka University through numerous programs In protest against these remarks, students chanted slogans, burned an effigy and later went to the university’s Proctor’s Office to demand justice. DUCSU member Hema Chakma questioned how a political leader could make such comments so openly at an election rally. “Is this what we still have to witness in 2026?” she said. “We, as women, are now sufficiently aware of our rights, our economic freedom, and our social liberation. We are those women who want to raise their voices, especially those who have come to Dhaka University from remote areas.” She added, “If I myself had not been admitted here, I might not have been able to stand here and speak today. If DUCSU, which represents all of us, is labeled as a hub of drugs and a brothel, is this the kind of Bangladesh we want? Absolutely not.” Hema Chakma also alleged that female students at Dhaka University face various forms of harassment. “Women are restricted from going to the Mol Chattar area after 10 pm. Administrative barriers are imposed. Entry to the Central Field is restricted after 5 pm, and various allegations are made. Even after showing ID cards, students are harassed. Our position has always been against such harassment,” she said. Another student leader, Monowar Hossain Pranto, said, “The organization Jamaat-e-Islami, which carried out killings, oppression, and devastation against our mothers and sisters in 1971 and tried to crush our aspiration for independence, is an anti-liberation force. We do not expect anything better from them. They were our enemies in 1971, and they continue to be our enemies in 2024 and 2025.” Dhaka University observes Martyred Intellectuals Day with due solemnity Meanwhile, the university administration has also strongly condemned the statement. In an official press release, Dhaka University authorities said they had drawn attention to the remarks made by Barguna District Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Md. Shamim Ahsan regarding the DUCSU building. “The university administration strongly condemns and protests this obscene, vulgar, indecent, and reckless statement. Such remarks have severely damaged the dignity, reputation, tradition, and honor of Dhaka University. The university authorities are calling for the immediate withdrawal of the statement and urge everyone to refrain from making such irresponsible comments,” the statement added.

A three-day art exhibition titled ‘Art for Equality’ began at the University of Dhaka on Wednesday, showcasing 90 artworks by teachers, students and renowned artists from nine universities. Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, inaugurated the exhibition as the chief guest while Dr Shake Manir Uddin, Curator of the exhibition and Chairman of the Department of Art History presided over the event. The exhibition was organised under the supervision of the Department of Art History of the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka. The exhibition features 90 artworks created by faculties, students, young and renowned artists representing nine public and private universities. The exhibition will remain open from January 21 to 23, daily from 9:00am to 7:30pm. Ambassador Miller underscores women’s leadership at Oxfam photo exhibition

Wagging tails, curious whiskers and smiling faces filled the Dhaka University Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) on Tuesday afternoon (January 20, 2026) as the campus hosted its first-ever Pet Carnival, turning the iconic spot into a lively celebration of companion animals. Organised by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the colourful event brought together pet lovers and their furry friends for an afternoon of fun, learning and awareness. Read more: US colleges welcome pets in dorms to ease students’ stress