United News of Bangladesh

Animal welfare organisation Animal Saviors of Bangladesh (ASB) has announced its 101-member full executive committee for the 2025–26 term. Dr Md Mahbub Alam, Professor of the Department of Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Science of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), has been elected President, while Sandwip Saha, an intern student of the same faculty, has been elected General Secretary. Dr Mahbubul Pratik Siddique, Professor of the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, has been elected Treasurer, and Md Ashiquzzaman, a student of the faculty and UNB’s BAU correspondent, has been named Media and Publications Secretary. The new committee was officially published on ASB’s Facebook page at 10 pm on Sunday. Among its 101 members are eight foreign students. Other key office bearers include Vice President Al Faruk, Organising Secretary (Medical) Md Abu Bashed Sojauddaula Saikat, Organising Secretary (Rescue) Md Zayedul Islam, Office Secretary Md Anamul Haque, Assistant Treasurer Bijoy Kundu, Drug Analysis and Communication Secretary Kaniz Fatema Binti, International Affairs Secretary Eureka Joshi, Information and Technology Secretary Hafsa Khatun, and Event Management Secretary Adnan Rahman. The committee also comprises 50 general members. Professor Dr Md Mahbub Alam said the sincerity and dedication with which our university students have come forward to serve stray and ownerless animals, alongside their studies, is truly admirable. “ I believe this organisation will not only treat or rescue animals but also serve as a living school of compassion, responsibility, and hands-on learning for students,” he added. Media and Publications Secretary Md Ashiquzzaman said the organisation has long been providing free medical and welfare services to stray animals both on campus and in surrounding areas. “At the same time, ASB offers students opportunities to gain practical knowledge and real experience through compassionate education programmes,” he added. He expressed confidence that the new committee would further advance ASB’s slogan, “All lives are precious,” and its vision of “Building a safe, humane world for animals through compassion and care.”

A cohort of 50 students from BRAC University has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Millennium Fellowship—a global leadership program jointly run by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) and the Millennium Campus Network (MCN), for the fourth consecutive year. The fellowship recognizes young changemakers for their dedication to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and UNAI principles through innovative social impact projects. This marks the largest group of Millennium Fellows from BRAC University since 2021, when the institution and Bangladesh saw their first-ever cohort of 14 fellows. The number grew steadily with 22 fellows in 2022 and 26 in 2024. Globally, student leaders from over 7,500 campuses across 160 countries applied for the 2025 cohort. Only 4 percent—representing 290 campuses across 47 countries—were selected to host this year’s 4,000+ fellows. To celebrate this achievement, BRAC University’s Social Impact Lab under the School of General Education organized a program on October 15 at the university’s Merul Badda campus. The event highlighted the selected students’ commitment to fostering sustainable and equitable change. The Social Impact Lab will mentor the fellows, offering strategic guidance, partnership opportunities, and support in scaling their initiatives. The aim is to help turn their ideas into measurable, community-driven social impact. The 2025 projects encompass a broad range of themes, including climate resilience, digital empowerment, menstrual and reproductive health, breast cancer awareness, equitable education, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, creative expression, and civic participation. Through these initiatives, BRAC University’s Millennium Fellows are advancing several SDGs—namely SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Moreover, the fellowship reinforces SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by nurturing ethical leadership, civic engagement, and global collaboration among youth leaders dedicated to sustainable development.  

The Syndicate of Islamic University in Kushtia has formally approved the constitution of the Central Students’ Union (IUCSU) and Hall Parliament, paving the way for the resumption of student union activities on campus. The decision was taken during the university’s 271st syndicate meeting on Thursday, marking a significant step toward restoring democratic student representation. Under the new constitution, the Central Students’ Union will have 25 positions, with 23 elected directly by students. The remaining two positions, president and treasurer, will be ex-officio posts held by the Vice-Chancellor and University Treasurer, respectively. Each Hall Parliament will have 15 members, with the hall provost serving as ex-officio president and appointing an assistant provost as ex-officio treasurer. The other 13 positions will be elected directly by resident students, ensuring grassroots representation. Professor M Mizanur Rahman, convener of the Constitution and Statutes Formulation Committee, said the draft underwent extensive consultations with student organizations and media representatives, dismissing claims that students were not consulted. Islamic University JCD unit's 48-hr ultimatum to cancel teacher recruitment boards IU Treasurer Prof. Mohammed Jahangir Alam said that the document will now be sent to the President of Bangladesh for approval via the University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Law. Once approved, it will be enacted as an ordinance and incorporated into the university’s legal framework. The approval is seen as a major step toward reviving democratic culture on campus, where student unions have remained largely inactive due to legal and administrative hurdles.  While many student leaders have welcomed the move, some have raised concerns about ex-officio positions, calling for more student autonomy in leadership selection.  

A student of Dhaka University (DU) has been suspended for six months for allegedly making hateful and offensive remarks about Islam, the Holy Qur’an, and the Muslim community on social media. The expelled student is Abrar Faiyaz, a student of the 2021–22 session at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), said DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed on Wednesday. According to the Proctor’s office, three other DU students including Mehtajur Rahman and Tasnia Islam, both from the BBA-30 batch of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), have been accused of making offensive and sexually suggestive comments toward women wearing hijab. They were allegedly connected with Sreeshant Roy, a student of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who has been jailed under the Cyber Security Ordinance in a related case. Among the accused, Abrar Faiyaz has been suspended for six months following a fact-finding inquiry.  “He has been suspended for six months. The investigation committee has recommended permanent expulsion. The final decision will be taken after discussion in the Syndicate,” Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said. The disciplinary action followed a written complaint submitted by several students on October 26 urging the university authorities to take action against Faiyaz. Later, the Proctor’s office formed a three-member fact-finding committee to verify the allegations. Committee formed to draft framework for student politics at Dhaka University The decision was taken based on the committee’s report and with the approval of the Vice Chancellor. Regarding the two IBA students, the proctor said that the IBA authorities have already formed an investigation committee which has submitted its report. “The Proctor’s office has also formed a separate committee on the matter. Actions will be taken soon as per the report,” he added. Meanwhile, a student of the Department of Physics has also been accused of making derogatory comments about the Sanatan (Hindu) religion, the Proctor said. “A committee has been formed to look into the matter as well. Appropriate actions will be taken once the investigation is completed,” he said.  

The Jagannath University (JnU) authorities have formed a five-member election commission to conduct the university’s Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) election. According to a notice signed by the university’s acting registrar, Professor Md. Gias Uddin, on Wednesday, the commission has been constituted—with the approval of the Syndicate—under Section 15(1) of the Regulations for the Formation and Operation of Jagannath University Central and Hall Students’ Unions 2025. The body will oversee the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union and Hall Students’ Union Election 2025. Professor Dr. Mostafa Hasan, Chairman of the Department of Social Work, has been appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner. The Assistant Election Commissioners are: Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Chairman of the Department of Law; Professor Dr. Kaniz Fatema Kakoly, Department of Physics; Professor Dr. Md. Zulfiqar Mahmud, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; and Associate Professor Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman, Department of Islamic History and Culture. Since its establishment, Jagannath University students are set to participate in their first-ever students’ union election.

The government will not take any measures contrary to public aspirations regarding primary education, said Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain. Talking to reporters at the Secretariat after meeting Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Adviser on Primary and Mass Education, Dr Khalid said the government is working to build an equitable, just, and prosperous state inspired by the spirit of the July revolution. “In this new journey, the government will adopt policies keeping the aspirations of the people in mind. No decision will be taken that could create unrest or public resentment in society,” he added. Quoting the primary and mass education adviser, he said all decisions by the ministry reflect government policy and public interest. Steps taken in primary education will ensure the inclusion of public aspirations. The adviser added that religious and moral education classes at the primary level have been increased, and assistant teacher recruitment now equally considers graduates from both general and madrasa education. Earlier, the advisers discussed improving the quality of primary education, expanding religious and moral education, and teacher recruitment.

Jagannath University (JnU) unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir on Tuesday honoured 200 meritorious students from two academic sessions with the Kobi Matiur Rahman Mallik Merit Award. The awards were given to the first, second, and third position holders from the 2018–19 and 2019–20 academic sessions. The event was held on Tuesday afternoon at 2pm at the university’s Faculty of Science ground. According to sources, each awardee received a crest, certificate, mug, pen holder, a copy of the Qur’an, a book on the Prophet’s biography (Sirat), a ceremonial scarf (uttorio), notepad, and pen as part of the merit award package. Addressing the event as chief guest, JnU Vice-Chancellor Professor Rezwanul Karim, said, “For the past 17 years, we have lived with an inferiority complex about identifying ourselves as Muslims. I am speaking from my own experience, not about others. We pray and make supplications in mosques,there is no better place to ask from Allah than that. All religions and ideologies will have the freedom to practice and hold programs in the university. No one will face discrimination.” Prof Dr. Abu Layek, president of University Teachers Link (UTL) of the JnU, said, “When we got admitted, it was the beginning of the IT era. Those who can adapt to the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions will survive. The kind of program Chhatra Shibir is organizing should actually be done by the university administration. When people receive recognition, they are motivated to do even better work.” While delivering the keynote speech, Chhatra Shibir Central President Zahidul Islam, said,“Matiur Rahman Mallik wanted to establish a healthy cultural environment. We should not be arrogant about our current achievements, arrogance leads to downfall. Behind every success, there is the support of parents, family, relatives, and teachers. My message to you all is to remain honest, patriotic, and skilled.” Expressing feelings, Ariful Islam, a student of the Department of Islamic Studies from the 2018–19 session, said, “I was a boy who used to fail in classes 6 and 7. I never imagined I’d get a chance at this university, let alone at Al-Azhar University. Chhatra Shibir values merit. Every JnU student is talented, and Allah has chosen us with greater responsibility. I only hope we can fulfill that duty properly.” Provost of Student Hall–1 Md. Asaduzzaman Sadi, Managing Director of Krishibid Group Dr. Md. Ali Afzal, Professor Dr. Shakhawat Hossain of the Department of Botany, along with teachers, students, and leaders of various active student organizations, were present at the event.    

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury has urged Dhaka University alumni in the UK to take a more active role in Bangladesh’s investment and development initiatives. He made the call at an event hosted by Dhaka University Alumni Association UK marking its 10th anniversary with a grand reunion in London, bringing together over 300 former students for a day filled with nostalgia, inspiration, and cultural festivity. The event held at Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford on Saturday was attended by distinguished guests, said a press release. In his keynote address, Ashik Chowdhury lauded the alumni for their achievements and global contributions, noting that Dhaka University graduates abroad play a vital role in promoting Bangladesh’s development, investment potential, and international image. “The role of Dhaka University alumni abroad is truly unique,” he said High Commissioner Abida Islam praised the alumni’s professional success and commitment to community service, describing them as “ambassadors of Bangladesh’s brilliance, leadership, and cultural heritage.” She expressed hope that their unity would open new opportunities for collaboration in education, research, and investment between Bangladesh and the UK. The celebration was presided over by Dr Md Mosaddeque Hossain Biswash Dambel, President of the association, and also addressed by General Secretary Khaled Millat, Trustee Board Chair Adhir Ranjan Das, and 10th Anniversary Convener Syeda Saima Ahmed. Founding members, executive committee representatives, and alumni from across the UK joined the occasion.  The day-long programme featured interactive sessions, nostalgic recollections of campus life, and a lively cultural evening. US-based singer Arzeen Kamal performed alongside traditional and contemporary dance and folk music, adding vibrancy to the festivities. The event, moderated by founding member Bulbul Hasan, concluded with renewed pledges to promote unity, collaboration, and pride in the Dhaka University legacy.  

Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam was an enlightened teacher who viewed education and teaching not merely as a profession, but as a moral pursuit and a human responsibility, said speakers at a memorial in BRAC University recently. Professor Manzoorul believed that the true goal of education was not simply to acquire information or degrees, but to awaken knowledge, beauty, and human values within the learner—nurturing minds that are not only informed but also humane and socially conscious, they said. Known to his students and colleagues as SMI, Professor Manzoorul, revered for his teaching, literary brilliance, and principled engagement with Bangladesh’s cultural and civic spheres, breathed his last on 10 October 2025 while undergoing treatment at Labaid Hospital in Dhaka. The memorial was organized by the Department of English and Humanities, where he used to teach literature courses. Professor Manzoorul was the founding adviser of the department and a key member of the team that designed its curriculum. Students read out short stories, and Associate Professor Asifa Sultana and Assistant Professor Syeda Farzana Sultana, former students of Professor Manzoorul at the University of Dhaka who went on to become his colleagues, rendered Rabindra Sangeet. The program ended with a video compiled by Lecturer Shakika Rubaiat urging the youth to follow in Professor Manzoorul’s footsteps in leaving a meaningful mark in the world. The memorial featured heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues, including Rasheda K Chowdhury, member, board of trustees, BRAC University; Pro-Vice-Chancellor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Professor Emeritus Manzoor Ahmed, and Md Golam Samdani Fakir, director, Learning and Teaching Innovation Centre. Professor Firdous Azim, chairperson of the Department of English and Humanities; Professor Sabiha Huq, Zainab Farooqui Ali, chairperson of the Department of Architecture; Tazin Aziz Choudhury, chairperson, Department of English, University of Dhaka; Professor Tahmina Ahmed, academic and writer Professor Fakrul Alam, and researcher and journalist Afsan Chowdhury were also present.

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has formed a 13-member Election Commission for the upcoming Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (SUCSU) elections, with Professor Dr. Abul Mukit Mokaddes of the Department of Industrial and Production Engineering appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. AM Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury announced the formation of the commission in front of the university’s administrative building at 6:30 pm on Monday. The other members of the commission are Professors Dr. Md. Kamrul Islam, Dr. Md. Misbah Uddin, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Dr. Md. Ashraf Siddiqui, Dr. Md. Rizaul Islam, Dr. G. M. Rabiul Islam, Dr. Rezwan Ahmed, Dr. Md. Mahbubul Alam, Md. Abdul Jalil, Dr. Mohammad Manzur-ul-Haider, Architect Iftekhar Rahman, and Associate Professor Mohammad Razik Mia. During the announcement, students demanded that the election roadmap be declared by next Wednesday. In response, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury assured that the Chief Election Commissioner will announce the election roadmap soon in coordination with the students.