United News of Bangladesh

Teachers and employees of MPO-listed private educational institutions have threatened that they will march towards the Secretariat from the Central Shaheed Minar if their demands are not met and the government fails to issue a notification by 4pm on Monday. The protesters said their ongoing sit-in and work abstention programmes would continue until the demands are fulfilled. The teachers and employees have been staging demonstrations to press home a three-point demand including 20 percent of the basic salary (or a minimum of Tk 3,000) as house rent allowance. 163 primary school teachers in Sylhet face action for absence without leave They have been staging a sit-in at the Central Shaheed Minar while work abstention continues in all MPO-listed institutions. Their other demands are a Tk 1,500 medical allowance for both teachers and employees and increasing the festival allowance for employees to 75 percent. Abdul Barek, a teacher of Darus Sunnat Kamil Madrasa in Kaukhali, Pirojpur, said, “If the notification is not issued by 4pm today, we will march towards the Secretariat.” He alleged that police attacked the protesting teachers on Sunday. “We were beaten indiscriminately. Our teachers were humiliated and injured. Tear gas was fired and one of our colleagues was dragged away. We strongly condemn this and demand justice,” he said. The teachers and employees launched their continuous sit-in on Sunday in front of the Jaitya Press Club, with a large number of participants from across the country. Police dispersed then using batons, sound grenades, and water cannons. Following the police action, the demonstrators moved to the Central Shaheed Minar where they have continued their protest since.  

Chittagong University is abuzz with excitement as student organizations make their final push ahead of the long-awaited Central Students' Union (CUCSU) election, set to take place on Wednesday. The spirited campaign is set to officially end at 11:59pm tonight (Tuesday), with candidates and their supporters actively engaging with students across the campus. Processions, leaflet distribution, and face-to-face outreach are ongoing in various spots, including faculty buildings, dormitory areas, and popular student hubs like Jarultala. Students have expressed strong interest in the election, hoping it will take place in a festive and peaceful atmosphere. “We expect those who win the CSU election to fulfill their promises,” said Taslima Begum, a student. Others echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for a positive and cooperative post-election environment. Voting After 35 Years This year’s CUCSU election holds special significance as it comes after a 35-year hiatus. The university authorities have completed all necessary preparations to ensure a smooth and transparent voting process. Voting will be held from 9am to 4pm at 60 centers across five academic buildings, covering 15 halls. Each student will cast a total of 40 votes, and the election will use the OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) system to tally results. An average of 400–500 students are expected to vote in each room. Secret booths have been set up, and all centers will be monitored by CCTV cameras. According to the university's Election Commission, a total of 415 candidates are contesting 26 CUCSU posts, while 493 others are vying for 14 Hall Union and 10 Hostel Sangsad positions. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr. Munir Uddin confirmed that five faculty buildings have been designated as polling centers, with a total of 60 secret booths in place. The total number of registered voters stands at 27,516.

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has temporarily suspended 16 students from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology over allegations of ragging first-year students of the 54th batch. The suspended students belong to the 53rd batch of the 2023-24 academic session. The university administration announced the decision in an urgent press release signed by acting Director of Public Relations Mohammad Mohiuddin on Monday evening. According to reports, the incident took place around 11:30 pm on Sunday (Oct 12) in room 403 of Hall 21 (formerly Sheikh Russel Hall). Victims and hall representatives said that the 54th batch students were first called to the Rafique-Zubair courtyard and then directed to room 403, where around 20 freshmen were present. Inside the room, students were asked to stand in two lines, keep their mobile phones off, and all lights, doors, and windows were shut. They were kept in darkness for 15-20 minutes while being questioned about rules and discipline. Following the incident, JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan took action under the university’s 2018 Discipline Ordinance, Section 4(1)(b). Proctor Professor Dr. A K M Rashidul Alam confirmed the suspension and said a three-member investigation committee has been formed. The suspended students are Md. Tanvir Rahman Mun, Md. Abdullah Al Fahad, Abdullah Al Saeed, Md. Abu Talha Roni, Rajib Sheikh, SM Mahamudunnabi, Md. Abu Said, Jannatul Adan, Ahmed Arefin Ratul, Tasnimul Hasan Zubayer, Md. Mahamudul Hasan Fuad, Md. Al Hasib, Md. Abdullah Al Noman, Md. Rakibul Hasan Nibir, Md. Zahidul Islam, and Ushanta Tripura. Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) General Secretary Mazharul Islam said, “No one involved in ragging, directly or indirectly, would be spared.” He also urged all students to greet juniors respectfully and reject such harmful practices. Worker dies after falling from under-construction building at Jahangirnagar University The investigation committee is headed by Maulana Bhasani Hall Principal Professor Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, with Assistant Proctor Dr. Md. Al-Amin Khan and Deputy Registrar (Higher Education & Scholarship) Lutfur Rahman Arif as members. The committee has been instructed to submit a detailed report and recommendations within 21 working days.

On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, JAAGO Foundation reaffirms its commitment to advancing girls’ education and ensuring access to quality learning opportunities for children from underserved communities across Bangladesh. To amplify this message, renowned social media influencers Jessia Islam, Masha Islam, and Tasfia Fatema Tasfi joined hands with JAAGO Foundation, calling on individuals and organisations nationwide to take collective responsibility for empowering girls through education.  Their participation aims to inspire others to support JAAGO’s “Sponsor a Child” program, which enables marginalized children, especially girls, to receive free, quality education. Since its establishment, JAAGO Foundation has been at the forefront of breaking barriers and creating opportunities through education, said a press release. For the past 18 years, the organisation has provided free of cost education to children in remote and rural areas across Bangladesh. With a strong focus on girls’ education, JAAGO currently supports over 5,000 students enrolled in its schools nationwide, 52% of whom are females. Globally, International Day of the Girl Child, first observed by the United Nations in 2011, raises awareness of the unique challenges girls face, such as gender-based violence, child marriage, limited access to education, and discrimination. The day emphasises the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for girls to learn, lead, and thrive, while empowering them to shape the future. In line with this spirit, Jessia Islam, Masha, and Tasfi shared heartfelt video messages on their official social media platforms, urging their audiences to join the movement and make quality education and equal opportunities a reality for every girl. Through continued collaboration and advocacy, JAAGO Foundation remains dedicated to nurturing the potential of every girl so that she can grow, lead, and create change.  To help a Girl Child go to school, sponsors can follow: https://jaago.com.bd/sac-bd  

The results of Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent examinations of 2025 will be published on October 16. Dhaka Education Board Chairman and Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee Chairman Prof Dr Khondokar Ehsanul Kabir told the media on Monday. This year, the HSC and its equivalent exams began across the country on June 26. The written exams ended on August 19 and the practical examinations were held from August 21 to 31. HSC results 2024: Over 77% pass rate, GPA-5 achievers surge to 1.45 lakh A total of 12,51,11 students from 11 general Education Boards, Madrasha Board and Technical Board sat for the exams from over 9,000 educational institutions at 2, 797 centres across the country. Of the examinees, there are 6, 18,015 male and 6, 33,096 female students.

Students of seven government colleges are staging a sit-in in front of Shikkha Bhaban in the capital, demanding the promulgation of the ‘Dhaka Central University Ordinance’ within the next three working days. The students brought out a procession in the morning and took position in front of the Shikkha Bhaban around 11 am, halting traffic on the road and in the surrounding areas from Shikkha Bhaban towards the Secretariat. Students stage sit-in before DU proctor's office demanding justice for Shammo Police set up barricades to prevent students from moving towards the Secretariat.

A total of 163 government primary school teachers in Sylhet district have faced departmental action for remaining absent without taking official leave. The growing trend has led to widespread teacher shortages, affecting classroom learning in several upazilas. According to the Sylhet District Primary Education Office, from January 2024 to September 2025, departmental action was taken against 163 teachers for unauthorised long-term absence. Of these, 140 cases have been resolved, with most of the teachers dismissed from service, while the remaining cases are still under investigation. Data from the Primary Education Office shows the highest number of absentee teachers came from Bishwanath 24. Other upazila-wise figures include:  20 in Beanibazar upazila, 16 in Sylhet Sadar, 11 in Balaganj, 4 in Fenchuganj, 12 in Golapganj, 16 in Zakiganj, 7in  Kanaighat, 4 in Jaintapur, 10 in Gowainghat, 1 in Companiganj, 18 in South Surma and 20 in Osmaninagar. Sources say many of the teachers went abroad using travel or work visas without resigning, leaving schools understaffed. Recruitment of new teachers has also been stalled due to the vacancies not being officially declared or processed in time. Shakhawat Ershed, director of the Sylhet District Primary Education Office, said  action has been taken against teachers who are absent for more than 60 days without approved leave. He added that 788 head teacher posts and 750 assistant teacher posts are currently vacant in the district, compounding the staffing crisis in primary schools.

The Islamic University (IU) unit of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP's student front has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the immediate cancellation of two recent teacher recruitment boards, accusing the university administration of political favoritism and compromising merit-based appointments. JCD staged a sit-in protest in the courtyard of the administration building on Saturday afternoon, calling for the annulment of the recruitment processes - one in the Department of Folklore Studies (held on October 9) and the other in the Department of Law and Land Management (held on October 10). Chhatra Dal alleged that the boards were manipulated to benefit 'ruling party' affiliates and members of pro-government student wings. The reference to 'ruling party' is understood to mean the NCP, part of the political rhetoric, even though on the basis of facts, the party cannot be described as such. In addition to the recruitment issue, the protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the murder of Sajid Abdullah, a student of the Department of Al-Quran and Islamic Studies, and justice for the recent assault on a university bus driver. Case filed over assault on IU bus driver in Jhenaidah Following the demonstration, a delegation led by unit Convener Sahed Ahmed and Secretary Masud Rumi Mithun met with Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Ayakub Ali to formally present their demands. Joint Convener Anwar Parvez, Anarul Islam, Rokon Uddin, Abu Dawood, Ahsan Habib were also present. Chhatra Dal claimed that in the Folklore Studies recruitment, candidates affiliated with the Awami League were allowed to sit for exams despite lacking proper qualifications. They also criticized the appointment of 'a controversial figure' as chairperson of the Law and Land Management board. Shahed Ahmed accused the administration of betraying academic integrity.  “This administration has shamelessly prioritized political interests over merit,” he said. “We demand the immediate cancellation of these recruitment boards within 48 hours. Justice must also be served for Sajid’s murder and the attack on our bus driver.”

A case has been lodged with Jhenaidah police station on Saturday following the assault of a bus driver of Islamic University in Kushtia. IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque filed the case with the police station against 20 to 30 unnamed persons in this connection, said Jhenaidah police station officer-in-charge Abdullah Al Mamun. According to the case statement, an IU bus, named Kuhelika (registration: Kushtia-S 11-0002), traveling from Kushtia to Jhenaidah, was forcibly stopped by a group of men near the Srijoni fuel pump at Arappur Bus Stand in the district around 9pm on Friday. A man boarded the bus and began physically attacking the driver throwing kicks and punches, while others surrounded the vehicle and joined in the assault, leaving the bus driver Mahfuzur Rahman Polton critically injured on the spot. Eventually, local residents and staff from nearby hotels intervened to prevent further violence, helping to rescue Polton from the attackers. During the confrontation, the assailants reportedly issued threats, warning that any future IU-operated buses entering Jhenaidah would be vandalized or blocked. Polton was subsequently admitted to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital for medical treatment. In a statement, he recounted the harrowing experience, saying, "While driving to Jhenaidah, my bus was forcibly stopped. A man climbed on board and started hitting me. Others joined in, and I eventually lost consciousness inside the bus." In response, IU acting registrar Professor Dr. Manjurul Haque said, "The complaint has been officially filed with the Jhenaidah Police. The university’s transport department is conducting its own internal investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and ensure the safety of its personnel."

The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) authorities have withdrawn the expulsion order of 25 students who were punished over ragging allegations. The decision came following continuous protests and a class and exam boycott by students. A notice signed by the university registrar on Saturday said, “Based on discussions between department heads and students, and following relevant recommendations, the decision to expel the students has been withdrawn. The matter will be placed before the next syndicate meeting for information.” 1 SUST student expelled, 24 suspended  over ragging Earlier, at its 237th meeting on September 25, the university syndicate expelled 25 students from the Economics and Statistics departments. Protesting the decision, students boycotted classes and exams, saying the issue had been resolved a year ago but the administration unfairly enforced the punishment.