United News of Bangladesh

The first-year undergraduate (honours) classes for the 2024–25 academic session at Jahangirnagar University (JU) will commence on 21 September, university authorities confirmed on Thursday. Deputy Registrar (Academic) Syed Mohammad Ali Reza told journalists, “We hope to issue an official order by Friday (Sept 19) listing the class roll, registration numbers, and allocated halls for the new students.” A total of 1,889 first-year students have been admitted for the 2024-25 session. From DUCSU to JUCSU: Shibir’s winning streak rolls on The decision to start classes on September 21 was taken at a meeting of the central admission management committee, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, on August 13. The university’s Public Relations Office also confirmed that the vacant seats left after cancellation of some admissions were filled before finalizing the schedule for first-year classes.

Newly elected General Secretary (GS) of Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU), Mazharul Islam, backed by the Shibir-supported ‘Coordinated Student Alliance,’ has pledged to work toward creating a student-friendly campus environment. “If we can fulfill our responsibilities properly, then we will achieve true success,” he told reporters after the JUCSU election results were announced on Saturday evening. Mazharul said he is committed to working for the welfare of students and the overall development of the campus, regardless of political affiliation. “We want to work together for the development of students and the campus environment, irrespective of political identity,” he said, seeking cooperation from all students. He also urged those who were not elected to join hands with the newly elected representatives in the ongoing struggle for student rights. The Shibir-backed panel bagged 20 of the 25 seats in the central council, including the top three positions amid cheers and controversy on the campus. Meanwhile, the independent contender Abdur Rashid Zitu clinched the VP post. From DUCSU to JUCSU: Shibir’s winning streak rolls on Other central council members elected include: AGS (Male) Ferdous Al Hasan and AGS (Female) Ayesha Siddiqua Meghla (Chhatra Shibir), Education & Research Secretary Abu Ubaida Usama (Chhatra Shibir), Environment & Nature Conservation Secretary Shafayet Mir (Chhatra Shibir), Literature & Publication Secretary Jahidul Islam Bappi (Chhatra Shibir), Cultural Secretary Muhibullah Sheikh Jisan (Independent), Co-Cultural Secretary Raihan Uddin (Chhatra Shibir), Drama Secretary Ruhul Islam (Chhatra Shibir), Sports Secretary Mahmudul Hasan Kiran (Independent), Co-Sports Secretary (Male) Mahdi Hasan and Co-Sports Secretary (Female) Farhana Akter Lubna (Chhatra Shibir). Besides, IT & Library Secretary Rashedul Imon Likhan, Social Welfare & Human Development Secretary Ahsan Labib (Bagshash), Co-Social Welfare & Human Development Secretary (Male) Touhid Islam, Co-Social Welfare & Human Development Secretary (Female) Nigar Sultana, Health & Food Security Secretary Husne Mubarak, and Transport & Communication Secretary Tanvir Rahman (all Chhatra Shibir) were elected. Three male and three female executive members were also chosen and they are Tarikul Islam, Abu Talha, Mohammad Ali Chishti, Fabliha Jahan, Nabila Binte Harun and Nusrat Jahan Ema. JUCSU Polls: Independent Abdur Rashid grabs VP, Shibir’s Mazhar bags GS The JUCSU election was held for the tenth time, breaking a 33-year dormancy since the last election in 1992, which had become defunct following a tumultuous incident at the Senate building.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has tightened its grip on Bangladesh’s student politics, storming to a resounding victory in the Jahangirnagar University Central Student Union (JUCSU) elections. Riding high on its earlier victory of Dhaka University’s DUCSU polls, the Shibir-backed ‘Coordinated Student Alliance’ clinched 20 out of 25 central council seats, leaving rival groups trailing far behind. Although independent candidate Abdur Rashid Zitu won the Vice President (VP) post Shibir-backed panel candidates secured the remaining key positions. Zitu grabbed the VP post with 3324 votes. He is the convener of JU’s Gonoovvutthan Rokkha Andolon and a 47th batch student of the Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture. The results were announced on Saturday at 7 pm by the JU Election Commission. The Shibir-backed candidates elected include General Secretary Mazharul Islam (3930 votes) AGS (Male) Ferdous Al Hasan (2358) AGS (Female) Ayesha Siddiqua Meghla (3402) Education & Research Secretary Abu Ubaida Usama (2428) and Environment & Nature Conservation Secretary Md. Shafayet Mir (2811). Other elected members from the Shibir-backed panel include: Literature & Publication Secretary Jahidul Islam Bappi (1907), Co-Cultural Secretary Md. Raihan Uddin (1986), Drama Secretary Md. Ruhul Islam (1929), Co-Sports Secretary (Female) Farhana Akter Lubna (1976), Co-Sports Secretary (Male) Md. Mahdi Hasan (2105), IT & Library Secretary Md. Rashedul Imon Likhan (2436), Co-Social Welfare & Human Development Secretary (Female) Nigar Sultana, Co-Social Welfare & Human Development Secretary (Male) Touhid Islam (2442) Health & Food Security Secretary Husne Mubarak (2653) and Transport & Communication Secretary Tanvir Rahman (2559). JUCSU Polls: Independent Abdur Rashid grabs VP, Shibir’s Mazhar bags GS Executive members include Tarikul Islam (1766) and Abu Talha (1854) (male) and Nabila Binte Harun (2753) Fabliha Jahan (2475) and Nusrat Jahan Ima (3014) (female). Among the remaining five seats three went to independents and two to the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangshad (Bagchas) panel. Independent winners were Cultural Secretary Muhibullah Sheikh Jisan (2018) and Sports Secretary Mahmudul Hasan Kiran (5778). Bagchas won Social Welfare & Human Development Secretary (Ahsan Labib, 1590) and male executive member (Mohammad Ali Chishti, 2414) post. The elections held for the first time in 33 years saw nearly 68% turnout with about 8000 of 12000 eligible voters casting ballots. Counting took almost 40 hours as votes were tallied manually rather than by machine.

Vote counting in Jahangirnagar University (JU) Central Student Union (JUCSU) election concluded 42 hours after the end of balloting. Voting was scheduled to end at 5 pm on Thursday (Sept 11) at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall but due to long queues polling continued until 9 pm. The counting of votes finally ended at 2:40 pm. Informal results suggested that the panel backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir is leading in 21 out of 25 positions. Tight races are being reported for four key posts—Vice President (VP), Cultural Affairs Secretary, Sports Secretary and Social Welfare Secretary. Independent candidates are leading in three positions while Bagchas-backed candidate Ahsan Labib is ahead for Social Welfare Secretary. Independent candidate Abdur Rashid Jitu is leading the VP race by a margin of around 800 votes over Shibir-backed Arif Ullah while in the Cultural Secretary race, Jisan Ahmed Jisu is ahead of Shibir panel’s Ali Zaki Shahriar. In the race for Sports Secretary, independent candidate Mahmudul Hasan Kiran is leading against Shibir panel’s Shafiuzzaman Shaheen. Though the BNP-backed panel boycotted the election earlier, their nominated Assistant General Secretary (Women) candidate Anjuman Ara Ikra urged students to accept the results in the greater interest of the student body. JUCSU polls: Official results to be announced by 7pm today She came up with the urge in her facebook post on Friday night. In her post, she wrote, “Regardless of the outcome, we were committed to ensuring fair voting for the students. Despite open irregularities and rigging by the administration, we must accept this verdict for the sake of the students.” She further urged BNP student wing leaders to focus on their mistakes and moving forward. Vote counting of the election began on the night of September 11 after it ended amid allegations of ballot stuffing and administrative bias. A total of 11,743 students were eligible to cast their votes in the election, with turnout reaching around 67-68 percent. A total of eight full and partial panels contested this year’s JUCSU election, though several later pulled out of the race. The panels that boycotted the polls include the BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Sampritir Oikya, Swatantra Angikar Parishad, Songshoptak Parishad, and candidates from the Socialist Student Front. Some independent candidates also withdrew from the election. Among those who stayed in the race were the Jamaat-backed Islami Chhatra Shibir-supported “Combined Students’ Alliance,” the “Student Unity Forum” backed by Ganatantrik Chhatra Sansad, and the independent “Students’ Sammilon” led by former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Abdur Rashid Jitu.

Results of the long-awaited Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) election are expected to be announced between 8pm and 10pm today. The Election Commission member secretary, Prof AKM Rashidul Alam, made the announcement. Vote counting of the election began on the night of September 11. The election ended amid allegations of ballot stuffing and administrative bias. The voting began at 9am on Thursday and was scheduled to end at 5pm. In some centers, voting had ended later than scheduled. As of Friday afternoon, vote counting was still underway. A total of 11,743 students were eligible to cast their votes in the election, with turnout reaching around 67-68 percent. A total of eight full and partial panels contested this year’s JUCSU election, though several later pulled out of the race. Namaz-e-janaza of JU teacher to be held after Jumma prayers The panels that boycotted the polls include the BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Sampritir Oikya, Swatantra Angikar Parishad, Songshoptak Parishad, and candidates from the Socialist Student Front. Some independent candidates also withdrew from the election. Among those who stayed in the race were the Jamaat-backed Islami Chhatra Shibir-supported “Combined Students’ Alliance,” the “Student Unity Forum” backed by Ganatantrik Chhatra Sansad, and the independent “Students’ Sammilon” led by former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Abdur Rashid Jitu. This year, 177 candidates contested 25 posts in the central union. Nine candidates vied for the position of vice president (VP), while eight competed for the general secretary (GS) post. In the women’s 10 residential halls, 59 out of 150 posts had no candidates, while 67 posts had only one candidate each, resulting in elections being held for just 24 posts. In two of the university’s 21 halls, all candidates were elected unopposed.

Voting at Hall No 15 (previously known as  Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall) polling centre resumed around 1:30 pm on Thursday after a two-hour suspension following allegations of vote rigging during Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) elections. Students said polling at the hall was suspended around 12 pm after Sheikh Sadi Hasan, vice-president (VP) candidate backed by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), along with 7–8 activists, allegedly stormed the centre and forced female candidates out. JUCSU: Voting suspended at Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall Chief Election Commissioner Prof Maniruzzaman said voting was stopped in response to demands from other candidates after they protested against the incident. Balloting for the long-awaited JUCSU elections began at 9 am and is scheduled to continue until 5 pm.

Hafizur Rahman Sohan, vice-president of the central unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), was detained from Rabindranath Tagore Hall of Jahangirnagar University (JU) during the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) elections on Thursday. Professor Shafiqul Islam, provost of the hall, said students caught Sohan, a member of the university’s 36th batch, from a room around 11 am and handed him over to the proctorial body. Asked about his unauthorised stay in the residential hall, Sohan said, “I came to the campus at night. I wasn’t feeling well, so I was taking rest at the hall.” In reply to a query on whether he had sought permission, he admitted, “No, I didn’t take any permission.” JUCSU voting in progress amid festive spirit Prof Shafiqul said former students are not allowed to stay in residential halls during an election period as per the code of conduct. “That’s why we handed him over to the proctorial team,” he added. JU Proctor Prof Dr AKM Rashidul Alam said, “We sent security guards to bring him in. Action will be taken against him as per rules.” Voting for the long-awaited Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union elections is underway in a festive and peaceful atmosphere on Thursday.

Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Sunday night besieged the university’s medical centre protesting the authorities’ alleged delay in sending an ambulance following the death of a student of the university. The students blocked the main entrance of the university’s medical centre around 9:15 pm following the death of Zubair Hossain, a third-year student of the Anthropology Department. Zubair, who had been suffering from hemophilia, passed away on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar. Agitating students alleged that the university’s medical centre delayed sending an ambulance for Zubair on Saturday despite repeated calls which they believe contributed to the deterioration of his condition. According to his friends, Zubair suddenly fell ill on Saturday and went to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. After feeling somewhat better he contacted the university’s medical centre, requesting an ambulance to return to campus. However, he was told that the ambulance was out of order and could not be sent to Dhaka. Jahangirnagar University: Students struggle as mosquitoes take over After nearly four hours of waiting, Zubair finally managed to return to the campus using the university's ambulance. Later, as his condition worsened again with severe abdominal pain on Sunday, Zubair was taken to Enam Medical College Hospital where he died. A video recorded by Zubair himself shortly before his death went viral on social media sparking outrage among students and criticism of the university's healthcare services. Dr Md Shamsur Rahman, the chief medical officer of JU Medical Centre, said, “Everyone at the medical centre was aware of Zubair’s illness. We provided ambulance support whenever requested. However, it’s true that yesterday, when he needed an ambulance, there was a delay due to a shortage of vehicles. Only three ambulances are operational, and all were outside the campus at the time. As soon as one became available, it was sent for Zubair.” JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan expressed deep shock over Zubair’s death.

The Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities have imposed a ban on the entry of outsiders into the campus starting Saturday (May 3) until further notice, ahead of the upcoming Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (Jacsu) and residential hall union elections. The decision was announced in a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office on Friday night. According to the statement, the election schedule and date for both the central students' union and hall unions have already been announced. In light of this, ensuring security across the campus has become a top priority for the university administration. To this end, the university has barred the entry of non-members onto the campus from May 3 onwards. The authorities also urged all stakeholders, including students, teachers and staff, to carry their identity cards at all times to help identify outsiders and maintain order. Prof Hazrat Ali appointed as KUET acting VC University officials said the Jacsu elections are set to be held on July 31, but there are concerns that certain groups may attempt to disrupt the election process. In response, security measures have been reinforced. University security personnel have been placed on high alert and are prepared to handle any situation to ensure a peaceful electoral environment. Students have welcomed the announcement of the overdue Jacsu polls, voicing excitement as the elections are being held after 32 years. They expressed the hope that the authorities will ensure a free, fair and inclusive election, with the active participation of all student organisations.

As dusk falls over the lush green campus of Jahangirnagar University (JU), the air buzzes with an unwelcome presence. Swarms of mosquitoes descend upon student dormitories, classrooms and common spaces, forcing students into a nightly battle against relentless bites and buzzing. The mosquito infestation, now worse than ever, has disrupted daily life, making studying a challenge and sleep a luxury. With the growing threat of dengue fever looming, anxiety grips the student body, who feel increasingly helpless in the face of the crisis. Campus Under Attack No corner of JU is spared. From dormitories to popular student gathering spots such as Mukto Mancha, Murad Chattar, Munni Sarani, Monpura, Transport Chattar, TSC, the Central Field, and Sundarban, mosquitoes have turned once-vibrant spaces into battlegrounds. Experts say the infestation stems from unchecked environmental conditions. Dr Kabirul Bashar, a professor at the Department of Zoology, points to human activity as a major factor. Decline in guest birds at Jahangirnagar University: A growing concern for biodiversity "Urbanisation and ongoing construction on campus have created ideal conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to breed. Overgrown bushes and stagnant drains provide perfect habitats for Culex mosquitoes. Without proper cleaning and drainage improvements, the situation will not improve," he warned. For students, the relentless mosquito invasion is more than just a nuisance—it is a daily ordeal that impacts their academic and personal lives. "The mosquito problem wasn’t this severe before. Now, it’s impossible to stay in my room. Even with mosquito coils, the insects don’t go away. Studying has become a challenge," said Redwan Mia, a third-year student from Kamaluddin Hall. The situation is just as dire for first-year student Naima Rose from Pritilata Hall. "JU is beautiful, but the mosquitoes are unbearable. They swarm in the evenings, making it impossible to study. I’m preparing for my tutorial exams, but I have to read from inside a mosquito net, fearing I might fall ill." Even the library, a sanctuary for many, offers little relief. Himel Hasan, a fourth-year student, described his frustration, "I brought a mosquito coil with me because even the library isn’t mosquito-free. My exams are approaching, but I can’t focus due to the constant buzzing and biting." Hall Authorities Struggle to Contain the Problem Despite growing frustration, hall authorities insist they are doing what they can with limited resources. Bribery allegation surfaces in Jahangirnagar University horticulturist recruitment "We spray insecticide twice a week and clean the surrounding bushes, but the mosquito numbers aren’t decreasing. Our resources are limited, so large-scale action isn’t possible," said Prof Lutful Elahi, Provost of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Hall. Prof Faruk Ahmed, Provost of Rokeya Hall, admitted that despite regular insecticide spraying, the problem persists. "Overgrown bushes and clogged drains remain major issues. We need a more coordinated effort to address this." Former Provost of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, Prof Abdullah Hel Kafi, issued a stark warning, "The mosquito infestation is severely disrupting students’ lives. Without regular insecticide spraying and proper cleaning of drains and bushes, the problem will only escalate, leading to more illnesses and academic setbacks." Health Concerns on the Rise With the rise in mosquito populations, the university’s medical center has seen a surge in students seeking treatment for fever and suspected dengue cases. Sumon Mia, a second-year student, was among those who visited the medical center after developing a fever. "I’ve had a fever for two days and came for a dengue test. Many others are here for the same reason. The mosquitoes are making it impossible to study or sleep." Dr Shyamal Kumar Shil, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, confirmed the growing health concerns. "We’ve conducted dengue tests for several students, but the number of confirmed cases remains low. However, unless the overgrown bushes and stagnant water are cleared, controlling the mosquito population will be difficult." Who Is Responsible? The university administration acknowledges the issue but insists the responsibility lies with individual halls. Prof ABM Azizur Rahman, Acting Registrar of JU, stated, "If mosquito infestations are reported, the estate office is responsible for taking action. We are ready to provide manpower and supplies, but no formal requests have been made by the residential halls." Tree felling goes unabated at Jahangirnagar University amid environmental concerns Similarly, Md Abul Kashem, Deputy Registrar of the Estate Department, emphasized that hall authorities must take the lead. "The halls are managing their own mosquito control measures. We supply insecticides and equipment when requested, but the primary responsibility lies with the hall authorities." With students bearing the brunt of the crisis, many are calling for a more coordinated response. What’s Next? Promises and Challenges Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Sohel Ahmed assured that steps are being taken. "We’ve instructed all halls to spray insecticides regularly, and the costs will be covered by their own funds. We will also provide necessary supplies. Each hall has sufficient manpower to clean bushes and drains, and they are well-compensated for their work. If additional assistance is needed, we will respond." Despite these assurances, the problem persists. Without immediate and large-scale intervention, the mosquito menace at JU threatens to escalate into a full-blown health crisis. For now, students remain trapped in an exhausting cycle of makeshift solutions, fighting a battle against an enemy that shows no signs of retreating.