Preparations for the ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’, a vibrant procession to welcome the Bengali New Year 1432, are in their final stages, according to organisers. During a visit to Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola) on Sunday, artists were seen working with great zeal and dedication. No one allowed to join ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ arbitrarily: DMP chief The restoration of the partially burnt ‘Dove of Peace’ has been completed, and efforts are underway to remake a similar face structure symbolising fascism, which was also damaged in Saturday's fire. An effigy symbolising Sheikh Hasina’s fascism was set ablaze on Saturday at the Fine Arts Institute. Crafted from bamboo and cane, the depiction portrayed a woman with a toothy grin, four horns on her head, a large nose, and two fearful eyes. The striking image led many to believe it resembled ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  On Saturday early morning, a fire broke out at the Fine Arts Faculty where the motifs were being made: the monstrous fascist face motif was completely burnt in the fire, while the dove of peace motif was also partially burnt. DU to hold ‘Barshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra’ instead of ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ In a Facebook post made Saturday morning, Cultural Affairs adviser Mostafa Sarwar Farooki condemned the incident and warned that those involved - regardless of political label - must face legal consequences. They said the work will be completed before dawn tomorrow. With the slogan ‘Symphony of New Year, End of Fascism’, the ‘Ananda Shobajatra' will start tomorrow at 9 am from in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts. Preparations for the procession will begin at 8 am. The procession will start from in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts and pass by Shahbagh intersection, TSC intersection, Shaheed Minar, Physical Education Centre, Doel Square, and end again at the Faculty of Fine Arts via the road in front of Bangla Academy. ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ motifs burnt at DU Fine Arts Faculty To maintain discipline and beauty, entry into the procession will not be allowed from the sides. The authorities have requested everyone to join the procession from the end point. On Pahela Boishakh, no kind of mask-wearing or carrying of bags will be allowed on the university campus. However, masks prepared by the students of the Faculty of Fine Arts can be carried in hand and displayed. The authorities asked people to end all types of New Year programs on campus by 5 pm tomorrow. On the occasion of the New Year, from 7 pm this evening, no vehicles without a university sticker will be allowed to enter the campus. On New Year’s Day, no type of vehicle will be allowed to run on the campus, and motorcycle riding is completely prohibited. Any resident of the university campus may use only the gates near Nilkhet intersection and Palashi intersection for commuting with their own vehicles.  

Several organisations and students from Dhaka University staged a rally on Saturday, demanding a ban on the Awami League. The rally began at 3 pm at Shahbagh intersection, where participants chanted slogans like "One word, one demand, League not come back." Shakil Mia, an organiser of the July Movement students participating in the rally, said, "All those associated with the Awami League are involved in some form of crime. Therefore, we want the registration of the Awami League to be cancelled.” He also said that the Awami League should not be allowed to participate in the next election. “Considering the wrongdoings the Awami League has committed over the past 16 years, no good worker of the party can be found," he added. Ban Awami League in 48 hours: ‘July Warriors’ Another participant added, "We demand the cancellation of the Awami League's registration, and its activities should be banned. All leaders and workers involved in misdeeds should be brought to justice." The speakers also demanded trial for those involved in looting, disappearances, and killings during the Awami League's rule. Meanwhile, "July Warriors", a forum formed by the families of the martyrs and injured victims of the July uprising, gave the interim government 48 hours to ban Awami League. They issued the ultimatum from a protest rally held at the Raju Sharok Bhaskarjya on the Dhaka University campus on Saturday.

The High Court has ordered a two-month suspension of the publication of the admission test results for Dhaka University's 'Ga' (Business Education) unit. The High Court bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi issued the order along with a rule on Wednesday following a writ petition. The rule issued by the court sought to determine why the inaction of the respondents, after receiving the petitioner's request to cancel the exams due to errors in the question paper, should not be considered illegal. Lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir, representing Dhaka University, appeared before court along with lawyer Mohammad Saddam Hossain. Deputy Attorney General Akhtar Hossain, Md. Abdul Wahab, and Syeda Sazia Sharmin represented the state during the hearing. Earlier, the exam for this unit was held on February 8. Jihan Al Fuad, a student who took the admission test, submitted an application to the Vice Chancellor titled "Request for re-examination to publish fair results due to multiple errors" but received no response. Two cases filed over mob attack in Dhaka’s Khilkhet: 2 held As a result, he filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the authorities' inaction and asking for the test to be canceled due to errors in the question paper. The petition also requested instructions to dispose of the application filed on February 20. Besides, the petition sought a stay on further proceedings until the application was resolved. Jihan Al Fuad personally participated in the court hearing on behalf of the writ petition.

Former Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique remains in critical condition and is on life support at the Neurosurgery Department of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, hospital sources said. A special medical board, formed to oversee his treatment, briefed Dr Arefin’s family members on Saturday morning on his condition and outlined the next steps for his medical care. Former DU VC Dr Arefin Siddique on life support According to the board, his condition is “extremely critical”, with no brainstem reflex detected. His pupils are dilated and unresponsive, though his blood pressure, pulse, and glucose levels are being closely monitored. On Thursday, Dr Arefin collapsed at Dhaka Club and was rushed to the emergency department of BIRDEM General Hospital. He was later referred to the Neurosurgery Department of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital for proper treatment. Road safety a need for all: Arefin Siddique Prof Arefin Siddique was appointed as the 27th Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University in 2009. After completing his tenure in 2017, he resumed his role as a professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism and retired from teaching in June 2020.

As the holy month of fasting began on Sunday, Dhaka University embraced the spirit of Ramadan, with students coming together in a joyous and reflective celebration of harmony and fraternity. The university campus, adorned with dazzling lights, banners and festoons, reflects a unique blend of religious solemnity and communal celebration. Residential halls have been exquisitely decorated, adding to the aura of festivity, while the dining facilities have introduced special iftar and sehri menus, ensuring students can partake in the traditional meals with ease and comfort. Mass Iftar at TSC One of the most heartwarming sights of the season unfolded at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), where a mass iftar event, spearheaded by the newly emerged organisation ‘Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad,’ brought together more than five hundred students and passersby in an inspiring display of unity. Dhaka's streets abuzz with Iftar delicacies on Ramadan’s first day The gathering epitomised the spirit of Ramadan—where boundaries of background dissolve, and a collective sense of brotherhood takes precedence. Sharing his sentiments, a student attending the mass iftar expressed, “Ramadan is a time for self-purification, and what better way to break our fast than in the company of friends and peers? This sense of togetherness makes the experience all the more special.”

A study titled ‘Expenditure review of TVET institutions in Bangladesh’ conducted by Dhaka University Bureau of Economic Research (BER) found that the annual per-student cost in polytechnic institutes is BDT 40,855, while public universities have a significantly higher average cost of BDT 166,859, about four times higher. BER revealed their study report in a roundtable conference, held in the DU Senate building on Monday. Dr. K M Kabirul Islam, secretary, TMED, ministry of education was present as a chief guest while Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, DU pro VC (admin), and Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Khan, director general, DTE as special guests at the programme. DU economics department assistant Prof. Md. Nazmul Hossain gave the finding presentation. He said, “The study aims to analyze expenditure activities, assess cost per student across programs, identify cost drivers, and recommend cost-efficiency improvements. Using a mixed-method approach, it examines 13 polytechnics and 10 TSCs, selected based on program diversity, institutional scale, and geographical location.” The study shows that in the government Technical School and College -TSCs Students’ enrolment 64% per year, activity-wise yearly per-student operating cost BDT 31,840 taka, yearly government contribution BDT 32,075 taka for per-student in the FY 2022-23. In the government polytechnics institutions, students’ enrollment is 77%, activity-wise yearly per-student operating cost BDT 27,911 taka, graduation rate 72.63% and dropout rate 27.37% in the 22-23 session. 30 Scientists, 5 farmers & a journalist honoured at BAU “The annual per-student cost in polytechnic institutes is BDT 40,855, while public universities have a significantly higher average cost of BDT 166,859, about four times higher. The median university cost is BDT 144,670. Public engineering and technology universities have the highest per-student cost at BDT 179,559, approximately 4.4 times that of polytechnics,” finds the study. The study recommends that a systematic approach is needed to boost TVET enrollment, including surveys, feedback, and awareness campaigns. Upgrading the curriculum with industry collaboration, ICT, and soft skills is crucial. Adequate funding for modern labs and alternative financing sources should be explored. Ensuring quality through assessments, stakeholder feedback, and continuous teacher training will enhance TVET’s credibility and effectiveness.

In a late-night demonstration, a group of Dhaka University (DU) students staged a protest on the canpus demanding the immediate resignation of Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, citing a surge in crimes across the country. The protest began at 1:30 am on Monday on the university campus. Defiant home adviser vows to ensure rule of law at any cost The students issued an ultimatum to the Home Advisor, demanding his resignation by 1 pm on Tuesday. The students, hailing from various halls, first assembled at Hallpara and later marched toward the Raju Sculpture, chanting slogans such as “Dofa ek, dabi ek, Jahangir er podottog” (One demand, one goal – Jahangir must resign) and “Amar bhai rastay more, proshason ki kore?” (My brother was killed on the streets – what is the administration doing?). JU holds protest rally against rape, kidnapping, terrorism They expressed frustration over the rising incidents of killings, robberies, and rapes across the country, accusing the Home Advisor of failing to ensure public safety.

Democracy International and the Dhaka University Debating Society organized a discussion session titled 'DUCSU Dialogue: Reform and Election.' In the discussion, speakers talked about the significance of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), and its election and constitutional reforms. The discussion session was held on Sunday at the Senate building of Dhaka University. Former DUCSU GS and President of Nagarik Oikya, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, said, "DUCSU has given me much honor, but the administration has humiliated me in ways it can. Even though I was the GS twice, my name is not on the board. A decision was made by the syndicate to cancel all my degrees." He said, "I was surprised by the proposal to reduce the VC’s power in the constitutional reform. Because during our time, the VC never interfered in any decision." Regarding taking voting outside the hall, he said, "In 1973, DUCSU elections were held outside the hall, but Sheikh Mujib’s son, Sheikh Kamal, hijacked the votes from the rooftop of the Arts building. The administration at that time played a shameless role." He further said, "Expose those involved in villainy. If you save Dhaka University, you will save Bangladesh. If you ignite the flame of consciousness and provide proper guidelines, everyone will follow." Emphasizing the irreplaceability of DUCSU, Dhaka University’s Treasurer, Professor M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, said, "We want a free and fair DUCSU election. Along with the country, there should be a fundamental change in student politics. We should never return to the old state. The days of the Guestroom-Gonoroom should not come back. For that, DUCSU will play a role. We want regular DUCSU elections. Any constitutional reforms needed for the election should be based on everyone’s opinions." DU Chhatra Shibir demands DUCSU election roadmap announcement by Jan President of the Dhaka University Journalist's Association, Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi, said, "The current scenario of DUCSU is that students want the DUCSU election, but organizations are thinking about who will win or not, and the teachers are wondering what will happen. Everyone should come together. Student organizations must unite and demand DUCSU." He mentioned the upcoming elections and said, "Those involved in the election process must be ensured safety. The election rules should be made clear in advance. Ultimately, everyone should come to a consensus." Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Tahmid Al Mudassir, said, "During the July movement, one of the demands was the student union election. But the administration has not yet presented a roadmap. Their statement is that they are working, but they don’t know when the election will happen. Jahangirnagar University has given a roadmap, but our university administration is taking it negatively." He added, "We all want the DUCSU election. All organizations are proposing reforms. When we talk about DUCSU elections, the parties make it an opposition." President of Dhaka University’s Chhatra Shibir, S.M. Forhad, said, "Necessary reforms should be made and the student union election should be held quickly because, for so long, we have seen that students have been used to benefit superior political parties. This has now changed. But this may not last long. If the students are again used to benefit superior organizations, and if the common room and guest room are brought back, the administration will be responsible." General Secretary of Dhaka University’s Chhatra Dal, Nahiduzzaman Shipon, said, "We want a student union election that ensures the representation of students. For that reason, we have proposed reforms to the constitution. The current constitution does not reflect students' aspirations and consciousness. We want the election to be conducted in a fair and democratic environment with the necessary reforms, exemplary actions against those involved in the July-August killings, and proper punishments." DU students call for DUCSU elections He added, "Many say Chhatra Dal does not want the election. Those who want to hold the election without clearing the previous issues, taking advantage of the current situation, are the ones saying this." Professor Dr. S. M. Shameem Reza  from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, "The DUCSU should be included in the Dhaka University calendar. It should be taken as an academic event. It should be included as an all-year activity. No matter what, the student union election should be held on time according to the calendar. For this, the university authority, student organizations, and students must demonstrate autonomy. Regardless of national politics, the DUCSU election should be held on time." Additionally, participants in the discussion included the President of Dhaka University’s Provost Standing Committee, Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, President of Dhaka University Debating Society, Arpita Golder, President of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, Bin Yamin Mollah, Dhaka University Scouts President Mehedi Hasan, and General Secretary of the Student Union, Moin Ahmed, among others.

Students of seven colleges have lifted their protest proprammes, including cording off New Market police station, following an assurance that their demands will be addressed. The decision to withdraw came from a meeting held between Home Affairs, Information, Broadcasting Advisers Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Nahid Islam, and the students in Dhaka on Tuesday. Moinul Islam, a Dhaka College student who attended the meeting, said, “The government is positive towards our six-point demand.” He also said they earlier issued a 24-hour ultimatum that no buses of Dhaka University would be allowed to move in front of seven colleges and the New Market police station be besieged, if their demands were not met within the deadline. Their demands also included withdrawal of New Market Police Station’s officer-in-charge, and Assistant Commissioner of the zone, taking action against them, resignation of DU Pro-VC (academic), seeking mercy by the Dhaka University for distasteful comment on Eden students by DU students. Read: DU suspends Monday's exams, classes following clashes One of the demands--separation of the seven colleges from Dhaka -- has already been met. At around 10pm on Sunday night, students of Dhaka College tried to enter the DU area in a protest march. Their aim was to surround the office of the DU Pro Vice-Chancellor (academic) Professor Mamun Ahmed, attempting to enter the campus through the Liberation and Democracy Arch. When the information spread, students from various halls of Dhaka University started to make noise, and the situation became tense. For a prolonged period, students from both sides engaged in alternating clashes. Read more: Students of DU and seven colleges clash They took positions, throwing bricks and stones, in the Nilkhet and New Market areas. Several students from both sides were injured in the clashes. On Monday, the students of seven colleges issued the 24-hour ultimatum outlining six point demands.

Students from the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have issued a four-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate action on their six demands and threatened to wage tougher measures if their demands are not met by 4:00 pm today (Monday). Addressing a press conference held at Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar, representatives of the protesting students outlined their demands and condemned the events of the previous night in Dhaka University areas. They accused Dhaka University authorities and local police of the clashes that happened overnight in the New Market, Nilkhet and Dhaka University areas, which left over 40 people injured, including journalists and students. Six-Point Demand The students presented six demands, including a public apology from Dhaka University for its alleged role in the conflict. They also called for the resignation of DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed by the deadline. A significant demand focuses on the removal of New Market Police Station officials, including the Assistant Commissioner and officer-in-charge, who were allegedly involved in attacks on Dhaka College students. Protesters called for their withdrawal and departmental investigation for punitive action. The clashes, which began on Sunday night, reportedly left Dhaka College student Rakib critically injured. Protesters allege he was attacked with the intent to kill and described police actions during the unrest as "barbaric." Read: DU suspends Monday's exams, classes following clashes The students also demanded the complete severance of academic and administrative ties between Dhaka University and the seven colleges. They called on the government to draft a framework for an independent university for the seven colleges within 24 hours.