United News of Bangladesh

All classes and exams at Dhaka University will remain suspended from September 7 to 10 due to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. The university's Public Relations Office confirmed the development on Saturday. Candidates are currently busy with their campaigns for the DUCSU polls, scheduled to be held on September 9. In this year’s DUCSU election, a total of 471 candidates will contest for 28 positions. Ducsu polls: JCD unveils 10-point manifesto promising changes Among them, 45 candidates are vying for the post of Vice President (VP), 19 for General Secretary (GS), and 25 for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). For the post of Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary, there are 17 candidates. For Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Secretary, 11 candidates are contesting, while 14 are running for International Affairs Secretary. Besides, 19 candidates are contesting for Literature and Cultural Secretary, 12 for Science and Technology Secretary, 9 for Research and Publication Secretary, 13 for Sports Secretary, and 12 for Student Transport Secretary. DUCSU and hall union election campaign rules and regulations For the post of Social Service Secretary, there are 17 candidates; Health and Environment Secretary, 15; Human Rights and Law Secretary, 11; and Career Development Secretary, 15. This time, for the member posts, a total of 217 candidates will compete.

Vehicular movement on Agargaon road in the capital resumed after students of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) ended their hour-long road blockade on Thursday afternoon. The students under the banner of ‘Krishibid Oikya Parishad’ took to the street around 11:30 am to press home their three-point demand, halting vehicular movement. Emaul Haque, officer-in-charge of Sher-e-Banglanagar Police Station, said the students cleared the road around 12:45 pm after police intervention. Buet students announce 'March to Dhaka' for Wednesday Their demands include introducing 10th-grade posts at the Department of Agricultural Extension, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and other research institutions exclusively to candidates with degrees in agriculture, no opportunity for promotion to the ninth grade (cancellation of BADC's quota) without passing the recruitment exam and issuing a government notification prohibiting the use of the title "Krishibid" (Agriculturist) by people who do not hold a bachelor's degree in agriculture or an agriculture-related field.

Academic activities came to a halt at all engineering universities and colleges across the country on Thursday as students under the banner of ‘Engineering Rights Movement’ enforced a ‘complete shutdown’. The protest follows Wednesday’s clashes in Dhaka where the law enforcers allegedly attacked them during the demonstrations. Leaders of the movement announced the shutdown around 10:30pm on Wednesday, calling off road blockades to ease public suffering while declaring suspension of academic activities until their demands are met. On Thursday morning, classrooms and exam halls at Rajshahi, Khulna, and Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet, Kuet and Cuet) remained empty. Similar scenes were reported nationwide, with students boycotting all academic activities. “Our movement will continue until justice is ensured and all our demands are met. No classes or exams will take place,” said a student. Engineering students continue blockade at Shahbagh despite police action Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali visited students at Shahbagh late Wednesday and expressed regret for the baton charge earlier in the day. He assured that an inquiry panel would investigate and action would follow. On Wednesday, the protestors had gathered at Shahbagh as part of their scheduled ‘Long March to Dhaka.’ Roads in the area came to a standstill as police blocked their procession near Hotel Intercontinental. Several students and journalists were injured when the students and police clashed. 

The Election Commission of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Hall Union has formed a taskforce to look into complaints about election code of conduct violations – confirmed by the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Dr, Mohammad Zashim Uddin, through a notification. Professor Dr. Golam Rabbani from the Institute of Social Welfare and Research will lead the taskforce as Convener. Other members are Professor Dr. Shahidul Islam of Banking and Insurance, Associate Professor Sharmin Kabir of the Institute of Education and Research, Associate Professor Syed Tanveer Rahman of Psychology, Assistant Proctor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Jahangir Alam, and Rezaul Karim Shohag. Ducsu election: Shibir’s banners vandalised on first day of campaign The taskforce will review complaints and help ensure the elections are fair and transparent.

On the very first day of official campaigning for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, allegations have been raised that the banners of the Shibir-supported panel “Oikyoboddho Shikkharti Jhot” were pulled down and distorted at the Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola). The incident took place on Tuesday noon. Visiting the spot, UNB found that the images on the festoons had been distorted, which is a clear violation of the code of conduct. According to sources, from the morning different panels and candidates began their election campaign. As part of this, the Shibir-supported panel set up a temporary banner at the Fine Arts faculty. However, in a video it was seen that shortly afterwards, two unidentified individuals came and threw away the festoon. Miftahul Maruf, sports secretary of Dhaka University Shibir branch, alleged two of their banner-festoons were taken down which was set up at the Faculty of Fine Arts. He urged the administration to check CCTV footage. “If the footage is reviewed, the culprits can be identified.” Regarding this, Assistant Proctor of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Md. Israfil, said he visited the spot. “Efforts are underway to identify who did this,” he added. Meanwhile, the panel has submitted a written complaint to the Election Commission about this matter. Final List Out: 471 candidates running in DUCSU elections On this matter, Shibir also held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. They called upon the administration to identify those involved and take action against them. VP candidate Shadik Kayem said in the July movement and against Awami League, the students of Charukola protested through different artworks. They are helping to preserve the aspiration of July. But some defeated miscreants are lying low. Those who want to re-establish Shahbagi politics, those who legitimized various mass killings of Awami League.” He called upon all conscious teachers and students of the country to protest the incident.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz has assured that complete transparency and accountability are being maintained in the evaluation of sub-projects under the ongoing Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. He made the remarks during a press conference held at the UGC auditorium on Tuesday, where details were shared regarding the sub-project selection process and the upcoming agreement signing with universities for project implementation. Prof Faiz said the UGC has taken every necessary initiative to ensure transparency in evaluating the sub-projects. He said that he has personally monitored each step of the process to ensure fairness and uphold institutional integrity. Referring to his own professional record, he said, "Before joining the UGC, I have honestly and sincerely fulfilled my duties as the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission. I will not want the honor earned in my long service life to be destroyed for any reason." He welcomed constructive criticism from the media and stakeholders in higher education, encouraging active engagement in ensuring accountability. Addressing concerns of political bias or favoritism in the selection process, Professor Faiz clarified that there is no opportunity for individuals to submit sub-project proposals directly. All proposals must be submitted through the respective university’s academic committee and with the approval of its vice-chancellor. As such, the UGC does not have the jurisdiction to consider the political affiliations of the applicants. He emphasised that the evaluation process was conducted by impartial reviewers, consisting of qualified teachers and researchers from universities across the country. He added that national interest and academic merit were prioritied in the selection of sub-projects. UGC members Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Professor Dr. Machuma Habib, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam were also present. HEAT Project Director Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman highlighted the progress of the project and elaborated on the selection procedure. Director of the Public Relations and Publications Department Dr. Shamsul Arefin moderated the event, which was also attended by UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, along with department heads and officials involved in the HEAT project. China’s cooperation significantly contributes to education sector: UGC Chairman On Wednesday, August 27, the UGC is scheduled to sign agreements with various universities for the implementation of 151 selected sub-projects under the HEAT project. The five-year HEAT project, aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education in Bangladesh, is estimated to cost over Tk 4,000 crore. The government of Bangladesh will cover 50.96 percent of the project cost, while the remaining 49.4 percent will be funded by the World Bank. The project is designed to address key challenges in higher education by modernizing curriculum to meet market demand, improving digital connectivity across institutions, building teacher training infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of the Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BDREN), supporting the Bangladesh Accreditation Council, and promoting innovation and competitive research in universities across the country. Prof Faiz reaffirmed that the UGC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and national interest throughout the project's implementation.

Students of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have announced a 'March to Dhaka' programme for Wednesday, as part of their ongoing movement to press home a three-point demand. The announcement came on Tuesday, with student leaders calling for nationwide solidarity among engineering students. Speaking to UNB, Zubair Ahmed, a student of the Department of Municipal Engineering at BUET, said, “We will block Shahbagh at 10 am on Wednesday as part of the programme.” Students from engineering universities across the country have been urged to join the protest and gather at Shahbagh at the same time. Earlier, the protesters started their demonstrations around 3 pm and continued till 8pm, halting traffic in the busy Shahbagh area. Their demands are mandatory tests for all candidates seeking entry into the ninth grade in engineering, or for posts such as assistant engineer and equivalent, with eligibility restricted to those holding at least a BSc degree. They also oppose promotions through quotas or by creating equivalent positions under different titles. They also demand that recruitment examinations for the technical 10th grade, or sub-assistant engineer positions, be open to both diploma and BSc holders. Legal measures must be taken against those using the engineer title without having a BSc degree in engineering. Besides, non-accredited BSc engineering courses must be brought under IEB-BTEB accreditation following proper procedures. Nishad Rahman, a student from the 21st batch of the Department of Civil Engineering, said, “This is our prolonged movement but the government is not paying any attention to our demands. So, we have been compelled to take to the streets.”

The government on Tuesday moved to shorten the tender submission period for printing, binding, and supplying textbooks for the 2026 academic year of class 6-8 to ensure timely delivery to students on January 1. The approval came from the 27th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs in this year where Finance Adviser  Salehuddin Ahmed chaired the meeting virtually. According to the Education Ministry, the proposal was placed after the committee recommended re-tendering for the procurement process of textbooks for students of classes six, seven, and eight of secondary (Bangla and English versions), Dakhil, and technical education streams. The committee earlier advised re-tendering after reviewing the proposals submitted in the initial phase. However, officials noted that following the usual tender process — which requires 42 days for bid submission from the date of the newspaper advertisement — would make it impossible to distribute free textbooks to students on the first day of the new academic year. To address the issue, the ministry proposed reducing the bid submission period from 42 days to 15 days under the emergency provision of Rule 83 (1)(Ka) of the Public Procurement Rules (PPR), 2008. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) distributes millions of free textbooks every year as part of the government’s initiative to promote education and reduce dropouts. Any delay in the procurement process could disrupt the timely handover of textbooks to students across the country. On August 19 the same committee turned down the procurement proposals for printing free textbooks for Class 6, 7, and 8 students under 2026 academic session, which raised concerns over potential delays in the timely distribution of textbooks to the secondary-level students. The proposals, placed by the Secondary and Higher Education Division and to be executed by the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), involved a combined budget of over Tk 603 crore for printing more than 12 crore copies of textbooks for the three classes, covering both Bangla and English versions, as well as Dakhil and technical streams. According to the proposals, Class 6 textbooks were to be printed under 97 out of 100 responsive lots at a cost of Tk 180.04 crore, while Class 7 books were planned under 94 lots at Tk 200.20 crore. For Class 8, a contract for 89 lots amounting to Tk 223.12 crore was recommended. In each case, the remaining non-responsive lots were set to be re-tendered. Procurement delay threatens timely distribution of class 6-8 textbooks in 2026 NCTB traditionally begins printing and binding months in advance to ensure that books are delivered to schools across the country before the start of the academic year. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB), under the Secondary and Higher Education Division, sought open tenders to print, bind, and deliver textbooks in 100 lots for each class. For Class 6, bids for three lots were rejected out of 100 lots for 4.43 crore copies.  For Class 7, among 4.15 crore planned copies, six lots were deemed non-responsive. Similarly, for Class 8, 11 lots failed technical and financial evaluations out of 100 lots for over 4.02 crore textbooks.

The campaign for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Hall Union elections will officially begin from tomorrow. In this regard, the Election Commission has set rules and regulations. Campaigning can continue until 10:00 pm on September 7. Voting will take place on September 9. In election campaigning, no one other than voters or candidates may, in any way, campaign for or against any candidate within the university area. In campaigning, printing and distributing black-and-white posters, leaflets, or handbills will be allowed. However, candidates can use their own black-and-white photograph. Using other photos is totally restricted. No poster, leaflet, or handbill may be pasted on any type of structure, wall, vehicle, fence, tree, electric or telephone pole, or any other standing object within the university campus or hall areas. No one may conduct election campaigns by writing, printing, engraving, or drawing with ink, lime, or chemicals on walls or vehicles. During the campaign, female candidates may, in accordance with the election code of conduct, campaign in students’ rooms, in front of rooms on verandas, guest rooms, hall canteens, dining rooms, auditoriums, and food corners except reading rooms. Candidates from other halls or non-residential candidates must obtain permission from the concerned hall authority if they wish to campaign in residential halls. No meeting, gathering, or election campaigning may be conducted in places where teaching or examination activities may be disrupted. Male candidates may campaign only in the auditorium/guest rooms of female halls as designated by the hall administration. According to election conduct rules 6 (ga), each candidate or panel may hold one projection meeting in each hall and three projection meetings in the university. In that case, a candidate may use the hall auditorium upon receiving permission from the hall administration at least 24 hours in advance, mentioning the date and time. No candidate or any student organization on their behalf may hold any meeting, gathering, or procession inside the hall or on campus other than in the places approved by the Chief Returning Officer/Returning Officer. No public meeting, street meeting, gathering, or even stage setup will be allowed on roads within the university campus that may cause obstruction to the movement of the public, teachers, and students. Provocative statements or speeches and unruly behavior will not be permitted. No damage may be done to any opponent candidate’s posters, leaflets, or handbills. DUCSU election: 21 step down, Julius Caesar recommended for exclusion Any candidate or panel participating in the election may not, until September 10, 2025, voluntarily participate in any type of service-oriented work centered on Dhaka University, distribute any kind of gift, host receptions, provide financial assistance, or engage in similar activities. If the election code of conduct is violated, the concerned Returning Officer will take action upon receiving a written complaint and after investigation. In addition, the Returning Officer may, if necessary, take immediate action on their own initiative. If any candidate or anyone on their behalf violates the election code of conduct, they may be fined up to 20,000 taka, have their candidacy canceled, be expelled from the university, or be subjected to any other punishment under state/university law.

Professor Dr. SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC), stated that China continues to play a vital role in Bangladesh's education development. The relationship between Bangladesh and China is not only long-standing but also built on trust, mutual respect, and cooperation, he noted. He made these remarks on Monday while speaking as the chief guest at a reception ceremony for students who have received scholarships from the Chinese government. The event was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and the Association of Bangladesh China Alumni (ABCA) at a hotel in Dhaka. Professor Faiz highlighted that China has consistently supported Bangladesh's development, particularly in the education sector, which has been instrumental in modernizing and improving the quality of the country's education system. China's ongoing cooperation and investment have been highly fruitful in Bangladesh’s economic development, infrastructure construction, and human resource development, he opined. He expressed his firm belief that the relationship between the two countries will deepen in the future, with cooperation expanding into various fields, including education, research, technology, and culture, which will bring greater benefits to the people of both nations. Dhaka University symbolises our national identity: UGC Chairman Mr. Li Saoping, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, spoke as a special guest at the event. The programme was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Shahabul Haque, General Secretary of the Association of Bangladesh China Alumni (ABCA) and a professor in the Department of Political Studies at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. During the event, Najmul Haque Himel, who successfully crossed the English Channel this year, was also honored. He was presented with a crest and an Achievement Award Certificate. Among others spoke in the programme Professor Dr. Rakibul Haque, vice president of ABCA and professor in the Department of Management Information Systems at Dhaka University, Dr. Kawsar Swapan, joint secretary and managing director of life long hospital, Maruf Hasan, joint secretary and PhD researcher at Wuhan University, Jannatun Nahar, social welfare secretary and Chinese language teacher at the IML of Dhaka University, Nilambar, Cultural Attaché of the Chinese Embassy.