United News of Bangladesh

Twenty one candidates have withdrawn their nominations from the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. Today was the last day for nomination withdrawal. The chief returning officer, Professor Dr. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, gave this information on Monday (August 25). Earlier, in a press conference, he said that no major violation of the code of conduct has occurred so far. To ensure that such does not happen in the future, the Chief Returning Officer and his team are working. If inequality or discrimination is noticed, and if it is submitted in writing, they will take measures according to the rules. From tomorrow, candidates will be able to start formal campaigning in compliance with the regulations. He said, to avoid complications in casting votes, votes can be cast at the polling center by showing hall card, university ID card, library card, or pay-in slip. In addition, tomorrow (Tlluesday) at 11 a.m. in the Senate Bhaban, there will be a meeting with all VP, GS, and AGS candidates regarding the code of conduct. Also, from the Public Relations Office it has been informed that those voters who wish their photographs not to be displayed in the voter list, are requested to apply to the Chief Returning Officer by August 27, 2025. In the female halls, non-residential candidates of the respective halls and residential and non-residential candidates of other female halls will be able to conduct election campaigning every day from 26 August 2025 to 07 September 2025, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. DUCSU: Umama admits to breaching code of conduct The final voter list for the DUCSU and Hall Union Election 2025 had been made open for the public. In response to students’ applications, it has now been closed. However, the final voter list will remain open for the concerned halls and offices. In the meeting of the tribunal committee formed to resolve appeals of the DUCSU and Hall Union election and to settle complaints of code of conduct violation, held on 24 August 2025, Julius Caesar Talukdar and Bayezid Bostami were recommended to be excluded from the voter and candidate list due to being involved in terrorist activities and having links with banned organizations. The matter has been sent to the Syndicate for administrative action. On the other hand, since the allegations brought against Asaduzzaman Jilani and Md. Khairul Alam were not duly proven and the complaint letter did not have the complainant’s signature, no decision has been taken regarding them.

Social media smear campaigns, primarily targeting female candidates, have marred the festivity surrounding the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election scheduled for September 9. Some male candidates also complained about being targeted in similar smear campaigns. This is not an isolated issue in the DUCSU election; candidates in student council elections at other public universities are facing similar challenges as well. They are being tagged, body-shamed, bullied, and subjected to rumors, offensive remarks, hate speech, and relentless propaganda. Cyberattacks have also been reported on the candidate’s personal profiles and organizational pages. “Rivals’ supporters are leading the contemptuous campaign,” said Jeysan Bakul Ria (Jerry), an independent candidate who is vying for the position of Common Room, Reading Room, and Cafeteria Secretary. Ria recalled social media barrages unleashed on her, endless abusive remarks landing in comment boxes, or defamatory remarks sent as private messages. The abusers left nothing untouched, she explained, dropping comments about her clothes and the length of her hair. The abusers even called her a leftist because she wore short hair. “We need to have some respect. We must not let go of our sense of courtesy and decency,” she said. The harassment, in fact, began as soon as she started sharing her idea of running in the election that has a troubled past. Elections to universities’ students’ councils did not regularly happen because of reasons that always had something to do with lack of tolerance. Public universities have long failed to foster a democratic atmosphere because of widespread politicization of teachers, officers, employees and spaces meant to be used by students. Ruling parties’ students’ wings dominated university campuses, sparing none from extortion and controlling everything from a makeshift shop to giant dormitories. But the situation changed almost overnight last year when students led an uprising, kicking out the immediate past regime of the Awami League. 462 candidates primarily cleared for DUCSU election; strict regulations announced Universities wore a festive look soon after dates of students' councils elections were announced. Some of them did not see such an election in decades. For instance, Jahangirnagar University held the JUCSU election in 1992. Maisha Maliha, who is contesting for the position of Vice President in the council of Kobi Sufia Kamal Hall, interpreted the campaign as a tool to suppress women. Character assassination, body shaming, bullying constitute the crime that women of this country have battled for a long time, she said. “We have arrived at this position after fighting such nuisances throughout our lives,” said Maisha. Women not wearing hijab are labeled as “Shahbaghi.”   A total of 462 candidates are primarily selected for this year’s DUCSU election by the election commission. Of the candidates, 60 are women. Of the nine announced panels, five are led by women. Two women are vying for Vice President (VP), one for General Secretary (GS), and two for Assistant General Secretary (AGS). Additionally, several others are contesting secretarial and member posts. Umama Fatema, the first to announce her candidacy and former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said she has been at the center of a storm of rumors. One viral claim alleged she sought to ban all political activity in Sufia Kamal Hall except leftist politics. “This is false. In our official statement submitted to the provost, we clearly wrote that all politics—left, right, and Islamic—should be prohibited in the hall premises,” Fatema said. Umama announces independent panel for DUCSU polls She also alleged that parts of her statement were distorted in different media outlets. Alongside misinformation, Umama has been subjected to offensive posts and body-shaming comments. “Women are always an easy target — inside or outside politics. They are enduring continuous propaganda, cyberbullying, and offensive tagging,” said Sadekur Rahman Sunny, who is participating in the DUCSU election from the panel called Swatantro Shikkarti Oikya’ (Independent Student Unity). VP candidate Md Abu Shadik (Kayem) from Shibir’s panel in a Facebook post claimed that their four female candidates are also facing cyber harassment. Candidates’ political ideologies, as well as their personal lives, were also used in some attacks against them. Abidul Islam, a VP candidate from Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), faced rumors alleging that he was linked to Shibir during his days at Tamirul Millat. Abid publicly rejected the claim, accusing Shibir of spreading the propaganda against him. Numan Ahmad Chowdhury, who is vying for the post of Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary, believed that he was targeted by a bot army attack. Chhatra Dal announces full panel for DUCSU elections “I lost my profile minutes after declaring out panel. Simultaneous reports from unknown accounts blocked my access to my Facebook account,” he said. "Bot army" refers to thousands of fake accounts controlled under a computer program. Bot armies' favorite ground of operation is different Facebook groups and pages where the army finds its enemies. Candidates claim that these bot campaigns are not just discrediting them but also threatening them with their lives. When asked about cybersecurity measures for the candidates, DUCSU’s Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin said that they were in touch with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission to address the issue.

Former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and leader of Chhatra Federation Umama Fatema on Thursday announced a full panel named ‘Swatantro Shikkarti Oikya’ (Independent Student Unity) for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. She unveiled the panel at 4:30 pm in front of the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture on the university campus. Umama herself will contest for the post of Vice President (VP) while Al Sadi Bhuiyan, former president of Dhaka University Journalists’ Association, has been nominated for General Secretary (GS) and Zahed Hossain for Assistant General Secretary (AGS) post. How Umama's call to ban all political activities at DU hall was distorted in the media Others nominated candidates include Numan Ahmad Chowdhury, Liberation War and Democratic Movement Affairs Secretary, Mominul Islam (Bidan), Science and Technology Secretary, Surmi Chakma, Common Room, Reading Room and Cafeteria Secretary, Nafiz Bashar (Alif), International Affairs Secretary, Anid Hasan, Literature and Cultural Affairs Secretary, Siam Hossain Emon, Research and Publication Secretary, Md. Sadikuzzaman Sarkar (Sadik), Sports Secretary, Md. Rafiz Khan, Student Transport Secretary, Tanvir Samad, Social Welfare Secretary, Rupaiya Shrestha Tanchangya, Career Development Secretary, Israt Jahan Nijhum, Health and Environment Secretary, Nusrat Jahan Nisu, Human Rights and Legal Affairs Secretary.   Member post candidates included Bobby Biswas, Naureen Sultana Toma, Abir Hasan, Raktabij Ark Barua, Rafiul Haque Rafi, Abdullah Al Mubin (Rifat), Sadequr Rahman Sani, Md. Mukhtarul Islam (Riday), Hasibur Rahman, Abid Abdullah, Md. Hasan Zubair (Tufan), Md. Sajib Hossain, Md. Shakeel, Newaz Sharif Arman, and Abid Abdullah.

Students of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Nursing College in Gazipur blocked Rajbari road in front of the DC office in Gazipur city on Thursday protesting misconduct of three instructors. They submitted a memorandum to the college authorities demanding transfer of three instructors -Md. Jamal Uddin Bhuiyan, Md. Tajul Islam, and Md. Mokhlesur Rahman for their alleged misconduct and various irregularities. Dhaka College-City College students clash; 10 injured They blocked the road for nearly an hour and formed a human chain before staging a sit-in on the DC office premises. They left the road after submitting the memorandum. Md. Motasem Billah, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur, met the students and held discussions to resolve the problem.

Students of Dhaka College and City College clashed in the capital’s New Market area on Thursday, leaving nearly 10 people, including police personnel. The violence, which erupted around 11:30am, stemmed from a previous altercation at a coaching centre in the area on August 19, said officer-in-charge (OC) of New Market Police Station AKM Mahfuzul Haque. “Students from both institutions engaged in sporadic clashes near New Market and Science Laboratory crossing. Police intervened immediately to bring the situation under control,” the OC said. The first spell of the violence subsided shortly after it began but flared up again around 1:15pm, leading to fresh confrontations, he said. Dhaka College, City College students clash near Science Lab; Dozens injured Traffic movement in the area was disrupted during the clashes, though limited vehicular movement resumed once police managed to contain the situation. Several policemen were also injured while attempting to disperse the students, officials confirmed. The OC said additional law enforcement has been deployed in the area to prevent further escalation, and the situation is now under control.

A total of 328 candidates collected nominations for the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) election as of the second day of collection - the election commission confirmed Tuesday. Professor A K M Rashidul Alam, the Proctor and Secretary of the JUCSU Election Commission, said that 47 candidates collected nominations for central committee posts and 155 for hall committees, those were 47 and 86 for central and hall committees respectively on the first day. JUCSU elections: Non-students ordered to leave halls by August 16 He added that the nomination period was extended by one day allowing candidates to submit their papers transparently on students' request. The deadline was extended to August 21 at 2 pm which originally was scheduled for August 18–19 from 9 am to 5 pm.

The British Council and 10 Minute School have announced a strategic partnership in Dhaka on Tuesday to expand access to internationally recognised English language assessment for learners across Bangladesh. Under this collaboration, 10 Minute School learners will now have the opportunity to take the Primary English Test and Secondary English Test — assessments designed and administered by the British Council to evaluate real-life English skills. The initiative aims to build students’ confidence, track progress, and align their learning with global standards. The Primary English Test, targeting learners aged 9 to 12, covers reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while the Secondary English Test, for 13 to 17-year-olds, assesses more advanced abilities to demonstrate readiness for higher education and career opportunities. Maxim Raimann, Exams Director of British Council Bangladesh, described the partnership as “a pivotal moment” in widening access to English language assessment. “By working with 10 Minute School, we are confident that we will reach a wider range of learners in both urban and rural communities,” he said, adding that the tests will help students develop practical language skills needed for academic and professional success. From 10 Minute School, Programme & Partnership Lead Shams Asif Chowdhury said the collaboration reflects a shared vision to make learning outcomes more transparent and meaningful. “By introducing the Secondary English Test and Primary English Test, we are helping students showcase their true potential and giving parents a clearer picture of their child’s progress,” he added. British Council hosts Young Learner Art Competition 2025 The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives of both organisations, along with educators and media. From the British Council, those present were Maxim Raimann, Country Exams Director, Bangladesh; Tahnee Yeasmin, Head of Business Development; Tabassum Chowdhury, Account Manager for English & Exams; and Rounaq Jahan Nabila, Technical Support Officer. Representatives from 10 Minute School included CEO Ayman Sadiq, Programme & Partnership Lead Shams Asif Chowdhury, Programme Manager Mohammad Risan, and Business & Operations Lead Avipsu Das Gupta.

The collection of nomination forms for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election has been completed. Against 28 posts, 658 nomination papers have been collected. The chief returning officer provided this information in a press briefing on Tuesday at the Senate building. He said that today students collected 93 forms. In total, 658 forms have been sold. Tomorrow is the last day for submitting nomination forms. After that it will be known how many candidates will contest for which posts. According to the schedule, the last day for withdrawal of nomination papers is August 25. The following day the final list of candidates will be published. What makes DUCSU a leadership incubator? At the briefing, the Chief Returning Officer said, “Only valid students of the university have collected nomination forms for DUCSU. No one has collected nomination under any party identity.” He also said that until the day before voting, if a candidate’s name is found on the list of criminals, there is scope to exclude them from candidacy.

The nomination collection for the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and Hall Sangsad elections officially closed on Monday, wrapping up a busy week of intense activities on the campus. Intending contestants collected nomination papers during August 12-18 with the last date for submission set for 3pm on August 19. Nomination papers were available at the office of DUCSU Chief Returning Officer Professor Mohammad Jasim Uddin, located on the third floor of the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, between 10am and 4pm daily. The final list of candidates will be published at 1pm on August 21 after scrutiny. 565 DUCSU Nomination Papers Collected; 1,226 for Hall Sangsads A total of 565 nomination papers have been collected for the upcoming DUCSU elections. On the final day alone, 442 candidates collected their papers, according to the Chief Returning Officer. Besides, 1,226 nominations were collected for the Hall Sangsad elections across 18 residential halls. This surge reflects the high level of student engagement ahead of the much-anticipated polls. Alliances and Panels: Who’s Contesting for What Chhatra Dal Yet to Announce Full Panel: Although Chhatra Dal leaders collected nomination papers individually, the organisation is yet to finalise or announce its full panel by the end of the nomination period. According to sources, the final panel may be revealed later. Among those who collected nomination forms are Mominul Islam Jisan, Joint General Secretary (Central) of Chhatra Dal, who is contesting for Vice President (VP). Other candidates include Abidul Islam Khan (DU Branch), Tanvir Bari Hamim (Kabi Jasimuddin Hall), Tanvir Al Hadi Mayed (Bijoy Ekattor Hall), and central leaders such as Zarif Rahman, Imam Hasen Anik, and others. Islami Chhatra Shibir Announces Full Panel: Islami Chhatra Shibir was among the first to announce a complete 28-member panel. Their nominations include representation from ethnic minorities, injured participants in the July mass uprising, and members from AAP Bangladesh and Inqilab Mancha. Key candidates are Abu Sadiq Kayem (VP), SM Farhad and Mohiuddin Khan (GS) and (AGS) respectively. Portfolio candidates include Iqbal Haider (Science & Technology), Fatima Tasnim Juma (Liberation War & Democratic Movement), Umme Salma (Common Room, Reading Room & Cafeteria), and others across health, law, research, sports, and culture. Left Alliance Fielding Imi and Basu: The Left Alliance has also declared a panel, with Sheikh Iti Afroz Imi standing for Vice President, and Meghmallar Basu, president of the Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Students’ Union, contesting for General Secretary. Jabir Ahmed Jubel has been nominated for AGS. Their alliance includes candidates from the Students' Union, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, Pahari Chhatra Parishad, Student Council, and Ganotantrik Chhatra Mancha. More names are expected to be released on Tuesday (19 August), including candidates for portfolio-based secretarial positions. Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad Holds Off Panel Declaration BAGCHAS, contesting under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Sangsad, has confirmed participation but withheld the final panel announcement. According to Zahid Ahsan, central member secretary, the panel line-up is still under discussion. However, sources indicate Abdul Quader may run for VP, Abu Baker Majumder for GS, and Ashrefah Khatun for AGS. Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad Enters the Race: Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad announced its panel on Monday afternoon. Key candidates are Bin Yamin Molla (VP), Sabina Yasmin (GS) and Rakibul Islam (AGS). The panel also includes candidates for Science & Technology, Social Services, Sports, Law, Health, and Publications secretaries. Umama Fatima Leads Independent Panel Prominent anti-discrimination activist Umama Fatima has launched an independent panel, collecting nomination papers on Monday. Her likely candidacy for VP may be joined by Al Sadi Bhuiyan for GS and Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi (President of the DU Journalists’ Association) for AGS. The complete panel is expected to be announced on Tuesday. NCP and Jamaluddin Form Joint Panel: A joint panel led by Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid, Convener of the Independent Bangladesh Students’ Union, and Mahin Sarkar of the National Chitizen Party (NCP), has been formed. Fateha Sharmin Annie is expected to run for AGS. Election Process and Timeline: Following the submission deadline on 19 August, nomination scrutiny will take place, and the final list of candidates will be published on 21 August at 1pm. Voting Day is scheduled for 9 September, from 8am to 3pm. Results will be announced later that same day. There are a total of 39,775 voters, including 20,871 male and 18,902 female students. More Posts in 2025 DUCSU Polls: This year’s DUCSU election will feature 28 positions, up from 25 in the 2019 polls, in response to growing demands from student organisations. The newly added posts include Research and Publications Secretary, Career Development Secretary, Health and Environment Secretary, Human Rights and Legal Affairs Secretary The last DUCSU election was held on 11 March 2019, after a 28-year gap. In that election, Nurul Haque Nur was elected Vice President, Golam Rabbani as General Secretary, and Saddam Hossain as Assistant General Secretary.

A total of 565 candidates have collected nomination papers for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections. The Chief Returning Officer shared the information during a press conference held at 6pm on Monday.  The nomination process, which began on August 12, concluded today. Meanwhile, 1,226 nominations have been filed for the Hall Sangsad elections across 18 residential halls. Among them, 71 candidates filed from Salimullah Muslim Hall, 97 from Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, 66 from Jagannath Hall, 78 from Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall, 93 from Zahurul Haque Hall, 46 from Rokeya Hall, 90 from Surya Sen Hall, 74 from Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, 37 from Shamsunnahar Hall, 74 from Jasim Uddin Hall, 87 from Ziaur Rahman Hall, 69 from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, 29 from Kuwait Maitree Hall, 30 from Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, 84 from Amar Ekushey Hall, 40 from Sufia Kamal Hall, 88 from Bijoy Ekattor Hall, and 73 from F Rahman Hall. The scrutiny and next steps of the election process will proceed according to the announced schedule.