United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka University has observed the great Victory Day today through a range of programs. On the occasion, activities were organized across the campus all day long.  The programs included the hoisting of the national flag at dawn at the Vice-Chancellor’s Building and other important university buildings, a gathering at the Smriti Chirantan premises, and the laying of wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar by teachers, students, officers, and staff of the university under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. Among those present were Pro Vice Chancellor (Admin) Professor Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, along with teachers, students, officers, and employees. Exhibitions and screenings of Liberation War-based paintings, films, and documentaries were organized at various residential halls. Different student organizations also arranged diverse programs marking the day. On the occasion, important campus locations including the Faculty of Arts Building, Curzon Hall, the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), and Smriti Chirantan were illuminated with decorative lighting. Residential halls were also adorned with lights. After the Asor prayers, special prayers were offered at the university’s central mosque, Masjidul Jamia, as well as at mosques in various halls and residential areas, seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyrs and praying for the country’s prosperity and development. Special prayers for the eternal peace of the martyrs were also held at other places of worship on campus. In the evening, a cultural program was held at the TSC Auditorium, jointly organized by the Department of Music, the Department of Dance, and the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies of the university.  

A three-day programme, “Rokte Ranga Bijoy Amar–2025”, was held at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University, marking the Victory Month of December through a series of commemorative and cultural events. Organised jointly by all TSC-based social and cultural organisations, the programme took place from December 14 to 16 at the TSC premises. The event began on December 14 with a mourning rally in memory of the martyred intellectuals. Leaders and members of TSC-based organisations participated in the rally, which started from the TSC premises and ended at Smriti Chirotan at the VC Chattar. Floral tributes were paid to the martyrs, followed by a one-minute silence. In the evening, candles were lit in front of the TSC to honour the martyrs of the Liberation War. On the second day, a national flag sewing programme was held, where members of different organisations stitched the map of independent Bangladesh onto the red circle of the national flag. The flag was later hoisted at the entrance of the TSC. The main cultural segment of “Rokte Ranga Bijoy Amar–2025” began at 3pm on December 15 at the TSC Payera Chattar. In her opening remarks, TSC Director Farzana Basar praised the joint initiative, saying the Liberation War remains a source of strength and emotion for the nation. “It is encouraging to see young people commemorating the sacrifices of the martyrs through such programmes during the Victory Month,” she said. The cultural segment featured diverse performances, including an open quiz by Dhaka University Quiz Society, a street play titled ‘Khyapa Paglar Pyachal’ by Dhaka University Natya Sangsad, a mixed production ‘Rokte Diye Naam Likhechi Bangladesh-er Naam’ by Dhaka University Cultural Society, a puppet show by Dhaka University Environment Society, a planchette debate by Dhaka University Debating Society, and a special mime titled ‘Rong, Rokto O Chitkar’ by Dhaka University Mime Action. Poetry recitations, dance performances, and solo and group songs were also staged. The cultural programme concluded with a Victory Concert featuring performances by bands including Ila Lalala, Durga, Torture Goregrinder, Introit, Apon Ghor, DUBS Team, Red Wine, Unnamed, Krishnapakkha, Anesthesia, and Ants on the Run. The concert was coordinated by the Dhaka University Band Society. On Victory Day today, the program concluded with a collective rendition of the national anthem at the TSC Payera Chattar. Shahriar Nazim Simanto, General Secretary of Dhaka University Research Society and one of the organisers, said the aim of the programme was to spread the spirit of the Liberation War, the sacrifices of the martyrs, and the essence of victory among the younger generation. The “Rokte Ranga Bijoy Amar” programme is a joint annual initiative of TSC-based social and cultural organisations, traditionally held from December 14 to 16 every year.    

Professor Osama Khan, a Bangladeshi-born and Bangladesh-educated academic, has been appointed Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of South Wales (USW). He is set to join the university in May next year. Professor Khan joins USW from Aston University where he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), according to the official website of the university. On his appointment, Professor Khan said, “It is a privilege to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Wales. I am deeply inspired by the University’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education and its pivotal role in driving social and economic progress across Wales and beyond. I look forward to working collaboratively with the USW community—students, staff, and partners—to build on the University’s impressive achievements and shape a bold, ambitious future together.” Richard Lloyd-Owen, Chair of the Board of Governors, said, “Professor Khan is an exceptional leader whose values-driven approach and strategic vision resonate deeply with the University of South Wales’ mission to transform lives through education. His commitment to inclusive excellence, innovation in teaching and learning, and empowering communities aligns perfectly with our institutional priorities. We are thrilled to welcome him to USW and look forward to a dynamic new chapter under his leadership—one that will inspire progress, collaboration, and meaningful impact across our university and beyond.” Osama is going to be the first Bangladeshi born, also educated in the country ascend to the post of the chief executive of a public university in the UK. Osama’s early academic foundation was laid at Cumilla Cadet College and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), before he left for the UK to persuade his higher education at the University of Surrey and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.     He began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Surrey in 2004. He moved to Solent University in 2012, where he held a variety of roles including Director of Learning and Teaching at Solent Learning and Teaching Institute. He was appointed as Vice-Provost, Education at the University of Surrey in 2019. Osama will become the first UK public university chief executive who was both born and educated in Bangladesh. His academic journey began at Cumilla Cadet College and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), before he went on to pursue higher studies in the UK at the University of Surrey and Cambridge Judge Business School. He started his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Surrey in 2004. In 2012, he joined Solent University, where he served in several roles, including Director of Learning and Teaching at the Solent Learning and Teaching Institute. In 2019, he was appointed Vice-Provost (Education) at the University of Surrey.

The Bengali nation proudly celebrates December 16 as Victory Day.  The date marks the surrender of the Pakistani army in 1971, bringing to an end the Liberation War.  A new country, Bangladesh, was born after a long and bloody nine-month war. However, even after 54 years of independence, questions remain about issues such as democracy, secularism, the objective history of the war and reform of the education system. In a special interview with UNB, Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, shared his views on the importance of Victory Day, the university’s programmes, research on the Liberation War, the political reality of the 2024 Uprising, challenges in education, and the role of the younger generation. UNB: How do you see the importance of Victory Day on its 54th anniversary? VC: The greatest significance of this day is that Bangladesh emerged as a democratic state. Our main resistance against the Pakistani rulers was because they denied the people’s electoral mandate. The core spirit of the Liberation War lies in freedom, democracy and sovereignty. Our main goal was to establish the people’s rights and democracy in this country. UNB: What programmes has the university taken for Victory Day? VC: Like last year, the university administration has arranged various programmes. These include placing wreaths at the National Memorial, illuminating different offices such as the administrative building and residential halls, and providing improved food for students. There is also a plan to organise a victory rally if the situation allows. UNB: How much participation do you expect from teachers and students? VC: 1971 is our birth identity, and 2024 continues that journey—'24 has completed the unfinished work of '71. Due to long-term fascist rule, confusion was created, but after '24, history has been revived. I believe teachers and students will participate spontaneously. UNB: Does the university have any initiative to research and document the Liberation War? VC: We have established an art gallery to capture the spirit of 2024. We are also preserving the events of 2024 through an oral archive. 2024 was born from 1971 and emerged due to the unfinished promises after independence. It is important to document and remember this. If we fail to fulfil the promise of '71, '24 will return again and again. UNB: Are there any new steps to strengthen Liberation War history in the curriculum? VC: Every department will review its course content. Departments such as history, archaeology, government and politics should give greater importance to this topic. Many people are confused because they do not know objective history. We have both horizontal and vertical histories. The deprivation of Muslims in colonial Bengal and the contributions of Muslim thinkers of the subcontinent have not been properly highlighted. I urge the concerned departments to take immediate action. UNB: Is there any new project on campus to honour the martyrs? VC: There are several memorial structures on campus, including Amar Ekushey, Shaheed Minar, Sansaptak, and monuments for 1952, 1971 and 2024. Recently, we inaugurated ‘Adamya-24’ in memory of 2024. However, these are not enough. More visible initiatives are needed to commemorate 1971 and 2024. Failure to remember history has led to long dictatorships. UNB: Do students know the correct history of the Liberation War? VC: Except for a small number, most students do not know the correct history. Different governments have presented history based on their own ideologies. We want to ensure this does not happen again. Everyone’s contribution must be evaluated fairly. Otherwise, situations like 2024 may occur again. UNB: Is the new generation learning enough from history? VC: I have serious doubts. The main problem is the lack of objectivity. Awareness will grow if students learn history through interviews with families of martyrs, use of technology, oral archives and smartphones. UNB: How much of the spirit of independence has been realised today? VC: We are still trapped in divisive politics. Even a year and a half after 24, hatred has not stopped on the path to restoring democracy. This puts both 1971 and 2024 at risk. Despite many reasons for division, if there is even one reason for unity, we must accept it. Like '71 and '24, we must unite beyond race, religion, caste and gender. Jahangirnagar University suspends 16 students over ragging of freshmen UNB: What is the biggest challenge in the education system after 54 years? VC: There is a division based on education mediums—Bangla, English, Madrasa and technical. These must be unified. The education budget is very low. Internationally, 4–6 percent of GDP is recommended, but we allocate only 1–2 percent. Due to lack of respect and financial security, talented people are not choosing teaching as a profession. An education commission and major reforms are urgently needed. UNB: What are the future plans for academic development and research at the university? VC: Since taking office, we have increased research funding and supported quality researchers. Our international research standing has improved, and we have ranked top nationally several times. We also plan to allocate funds for student research. UNB: What is your message to students and youth on Victory Day? VC: History shows that young people have always led movements for democracy and rights. The experience of elders and the energy of youth together will move the country forward. Students should spend more time in classrooms and libraries to prepare themselves to lead the nation in the future.    

Students residing in accommodation under the “Medhabi Project” run by the As-Sunnah Foundation have implemented a blockade program at the main gate of the administrative building of Jagannath University (JnU) for nine consecutive hours, demanding inclusion in a special scholarship scheme.  As of 7pm on Monday, when this report was filed, the Vice-Chancellor, the Treasurer, and other administration officials remained confined inside. The blockade commenced Monday at 10am in front of the university’s administrative building. The protesting students stated that the blockade would continue until their demands are met. Hasnat Hossain, one of the protesting students, said: “We are standing here with our legitimate demands. Many students stay in halls by paying subsidies of Tk 5,000–6,000. Some even pay Tk 9,000–10,000. So why should we be excluded from the scholarship?” Bakhtiar Islam, a student of the Department of Islamic History and Culture, said, “The As-Sunnah Hall authorities have told us that the Medhabi Hall has no affiliation with Jagannath University. They have instructed that As-Sunnah Hall should not be considered a university hall. We will not leave this place until our three demands are fulfilled. If the demands are not met, the movement will become more intense.” The students’ three-point demands are: inclusion of students residing under the As-Sunnah Foundation-run ‘Medhabi Project’ within the housing scholarship policy, like general students; removal of the imposed conditions of 70 percent attendance and CGPA-based criteria in order to keep the housing scholarship need-based rather than merit-based; and complete withdrawal of the re-admission-related conditions. Meanwhile, the As-Sunnah Foundation has requested that its ‘Medhabi Project’, meant for regular students of Jagannath University, not be considered as an administrative or residential hall of the university.  

Students of Chittagong University (CU) on Monday locked the university’s administrative building demanding the removal of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan for his alleged controversial remarks over the killings of intellectuals in 1971. Under the banner of Sarbadaliya Chhatra Oikya (All-Party Students’ Unity), the students padlocked all gates of the administrative building around noon protesting his remarks denying the role of Pakistani occupation forces in the killing of intellectuals during the Liberation War. Acting Registrar Prof Mohammad Saiful Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Md Kamal Uddin and Controller of Examinations Prof Momtaz Uddin Ahmed were inside the building at that time. The building remained locked as of filing this report in the afternoon. The students demanded an unconditional apology and resignation of Prof Shamim Uddin Khan. CU unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary Jalal Uddin said they locked the administrative building in protest against Prof Shamim Uddin’s remarks on the martyred intellectuals. “If he does not apologise unconditionally, we will continue to press for his resignation,” he said. Sumaiya Sikder, a representative of Nari Angan, condemned the remarks, saying such comments were unacceptable from an academic. “His statement has demeaned the Liberation War and the martyred intellectuals. We demand his resignation so that no one dares to make such remarks in future.”   Biplobi Chharta Moitri President Joshod Zakir said the comments attempted to create a narrative in favour of collaborators which is ‘disgraceful and shameful.’ After locking the building, CU Chhatra Dal General Secretary Abdullah Al Noman said the university runs on public funds, not on funds of any particular group. He alleged that during a discussion meeting marking Martyred Intellectuals Day on Sunday, the pro-VC referred to Pakistani soldiers as ‘warriors’ which sparked outrage among students. “He must apologise and resign. We will not remove the locks otherwise,” he said. Earlier, speaking at a discussion organised by the CU administration on December 14, Prof Shamim Uddin Khan reportedly said that December 16 was fixed as the day of surrender and they (the Pakistani army) were preparing to return and in such a situation, the idea that the Pakistani army would kill Bangladesh’s intellectuals is completely baseless. This was part of an international conspiracy and the intellectuals were killed with the aim of turning this country into a tributary state of another country, he added.

The authorities of Dhaka University (DU) have erased images of individuals convicted of war crimes that were painted at Jagannath Hall on the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, students alleged. To commemorate the martyred intellectuals of the 1971 Liberation War, the Jagannath Hall Students’ Union organised a programme titled “Tuli’r Anchore Droho” (Defiance Through Brushstrokes) last night. As part of the programme, students painted images of convicted war criminals Ghulam Azam, Matiur Rahman Nizami, and Abdul Quader Molla - all senior leaders of Jamaat e Islami in independent Bangladesh at the time of their convictions- on the road in front of the hall’s Rabindra Bhaban. However, according to students and organisers, the images were erased on Sunday morning on the instructions of the university administration. Speaking about the incident, Jagannath Hall Union Vice President Pallab Barman said that the programme was organised to remember the martyred intellectuals and to express students’ anger against the Razakars. “But the administration erased the painted caricatures without informing us. We have not received any explanation so far,” he added. Attempts to contact Jagannath Hall Provost Debashish Pal and DU Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed for comments were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to phone calls.

Several British universities have quietly tightened or suspended admissions for students from Bangladesh and Pakistan, citing tougher Home Office rules and rising visa refusal rates, a move that is significantly narrowing access for applicants from two of the UK’s largest international student source countries. UK universities have traditionally relied heavily on international students to support their finances and sustain globally diverse campuses. Amid heightened scrutiny by immigration authorities, many institutions are, however, now limiting recruitment from what they describe as “high-risk” countries to avoid breaching visa compliance thresholds. According to a report by the Financial Times, at least nine UK universities have imposed restrictions on recruitment from certain countries following increased Home Office monitoring over alleged visa misuse. The move follows a rise in asylum claims by international students prompting Border Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle to caution that student visas ‘must not be used as a backdoor’ to permanent settlement in Britain. Several universities have already taken direct action. The University of Wolverhampton has stopped accepting undergraduate applicants from both Bangladesh and Pakistan, while the University of East London has paused recruitment from Pakistan. The Universities of Sunderland and Coventry have suspended recruitment from both countries. London Metropolitan University confirmed it halted recruitment from Bangladesh after Bangladeshi applicants accounted for 60 percent of its total visa refusals. Universities insist the decisions are driven by compliance concerns rather than discrimination. The University of Sunderland said it makes ‘no apologies’ for adopting a firm stance to ‘protect the integrity’ of the UK’s student visa system. Official data underscore the pressure universities are facing. For the year ending September 2025, visa refusal rates stood at 18 percent for Pakistani applicants and 22 percent for Bangladeshi applicants—well above the newly enforced 5 percent threshold. Together, applicants from the two countries accounted for around half of the 23,036 student visa applications rejected by the Home Office during that period. Asylum claims from Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals have also risen in recent years, with many individuals originally entering the UK on study or work visas, further intensifying government scrutiny. While universities maintain that the restrictions are necessary to safeguard their sponsor licences, critics argue the measures risk undermining the UK’s reputation as an open destination for international education and disproportionately affect students from South Asia seeking higher education opportunities in Britain.

On the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, University of Dhaka has installed small placards bearing the names and identities of teachers, students, officers, and staff who were killed during the 1971 Liberation War, to pay tribute to their sacrifices and preserve their history. The program, held on Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, covered key areas across the campus, including the TSC grounds, in front of the Central Library, Hakim Chattar, Madhur Canteen, Kala Bhavan, Mall Chattar, VC Chattar, Soparjit Shadhinota Chattar, Law Faculty premises, Motahar Hossain Bhaban, Science Library, Karzon Hall area, Doel Chattar, Charukala, and areas adjacent to all residential halls. The placards commemorate the victims of atrocities carried out by the Pakistani army and their collaborators, including Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams forces. According to the university’s official list, 195 individuals from Dhaka University were martyred during the Liberation War. Dhaka University observes Martyred Intellectuals Day with due solemnity The organizer of the program, literature and publication secretary of DU Chhatra Dal, Abu Hayat Md. Zulfiqur Jesun, said that the martyrs of the Liberation War are not merely names confined to the pages of history; they are the very foundation of the nation’s existence, independence, and dignity. He said it is a moral responsibility to pass on the story of their sacrifices to the new generation. “In that spirit, it is our bounden duty to make the history of those from Dhaka University who were martyred in the Liberation War known to all,” he added. Through this initiative, the memories of the martyrs have been made visible across the campus, while also fostering among young students a deeper understanding of the Liberation War, a sense of responsibility, and an interest in learning the authentic history. The Chhatra Dal leader further expressed hope that such initiatives related to independence and sovereignty would continue in the future and would be regarded as an exemplary effort in preserving the memory of the martyrs.

Dhaka University observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day today through a series of programs. On this occasion, black flags were hoisted at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and other important buildings of the university. Led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, floral wreaths were laid at the graveyard adjacent to the university’s central mosque, the memorial at Jagannath Hall premises, memorials in various residential areas, and the Martyred Intellectuals Memorials at Mirpur and Rayer Bazaar. Special prayers were offered at the university’s central mosque and mosques of different residential halls seeking the eternal peace of the souls of the martyred intellectuals, while special prayers were also held at other places of worship. Marking the day, a discussion meeting was organized at the auditorium of the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of the university. At the beginning of the discussion, a one-minute silence was observed in tribute to the martyrs. The meeting was addressed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Professor Sajeda Banu, younger sister of martyred intellectual Gias Uddin Ahmed, DUCSU Vice-President Abu Shadik kayem, along with leaders of the University of Dhaka Officers’ Association, the Third level Employees’ Association, and the Technical Employees’ Association. Deans of various faculties, chairpersons of departments, directors of institutes, the proctor, provosts, teachers, heads of different offices, officers, and employees were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that the historic events of 1952, 1969, 1971, 1990, and 2024 are not contradictory to one another; rather, they have collectively shaped Bangladesh’s national identity and history. He emphasized that the nation must remain aware and united against ongoing political attempts to create divisions by setting these events against each other. He further said that the sacrifice of the martyred intellectuals is not merely a part of memorable history; it forms the foundation of the nation’s unity, identity, and existence. As long as this sacrifice remains alive in collective memory, the unity of the nation will remain intact.