United News of Bangladesh

The authorities of Islamic University (IU) have renamed four residential halls and an academic building that were previously named after ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members. A press release, signed by IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan, was issued in this regard on Wednesday afternoon. According to the press release, the decision was made at the 267th syndicated meeting held on February 26 with IU Vice-Chancellor Professor Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah in the chair. The name of Sheikh Hasina Hall has been renamed as 'July-36 Hall', Sheikh Russell Hall as 'Shahid Anas Hall', Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall as 'Shah Azizur Rahman Hall', Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Hall as 'Ummul Mumineen Ayesha Siddiqah Hall'. Besides, Wazed Miah Science Building now will be called 'Ibn Sina Science Building' as per the change. The university authorities changed the names following the direction of the Education Ministry's Secondary and Higher Education Division, the release added.

Former Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Wednesday said festival allowance, entertainment allowance, house rent and other perks will be increased for the MPO listed teachers. "I assured everyone that we will try to meet the demands as much as we can in the upcoming budget after holding a meeting with the Finance Ministry, but 15/20 years of deprivation cannot be met with a one or two year budget. It's very hard to explain,” he said. Biman a frain, loss-making organisation for years: Wahiduddin Mahmud Wahiduddin came up with the information while speaking at a programme on the occasion of the joining of the newly appointed Education Adviser CR Abrar, held at the conference room of the Education Ministry. "We will be able to increase their (MPO teachers) festival allowance, entertainment allowance, house rent, medical allowance from this year's Eid-ul-Azha to next year's budget. I know that provision is being made in this year's budget and next year's budget.,” he said “We can understand the demand that private salaries should be made equal to government salaries, but how can a one-year budget fix a 15-year disparity? But we need to start. That's the beginning we're making,” said Wahiuddin. Noting that, a fund is being created for teachers' retirement and welfare allowances, Wahiuddin, said, “It’s been built a little bit this year and the rest will be included in the next budget. However, to make the whole fund sustainable, it will be solved in the upcoming three or four budgets in the future.” Interim government won't name establishments after any person: Wahiduddin Mahmud The money in the retirement and welfare fund was deliberately kept in a bank that no longer has money. Some funds have already gone elsewhere, he claimed. "Welfare allowance and retirement allowance for private MPO teachers are their most legitimate demands. But they are not united. They never even take the streets. But I thought the demand should be met first,” he said.  

A pioneering book titled ‘Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Artificial Intelligence’, authored by Dr. Md. Shah Nawaz Khan, a former lecturer at Dhaka University now residing in the UK, has been launched. The Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University hosted the launch event on February 26, where the book was unveiled by Prof. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council; Prof. A.K. Azad Chowdhury, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University; and Prof. Dr. Selim Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy. Ambassador Tariq Karim’s book on ‘Evolution of SA Regional Cooperation’ unveiled Dr. Khan presented the book’s objectives and key themes to an audience comprising alumni, faculty members and students, who praised his comprehensive work for its potential to advance Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector. Presiding over the event, Prof Dr Selim Reza lauded the book as a valuable contribution to pharmaceutical education and industry development in Bangladesh. The book explores AI’s transformative impact on pharmaceutical manufacturing, demonstrating how advanced algorithms and data-driven systems are redefining safety, efficacy, and efficiency standards. As cutting-edge AI technology integrates with established quality assurance principles, the industry stands on the brink of a new era. ‘Sparsho Braille’ distributes free books for visually impaired at Ekushey Book Fair  AI is not just an innovation—it is reshaping quality standards, ensuring safer medicines and fostering a more sustainable future. Addressing critical challenges such as cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and ethical oversight, the book underscores the balance between technological advancement and responsible governance. It also offers practical strategies for integrating AI into pharmaceutical processes while safeguarding public health.  

The Central Programme of the Youth Festival was held at Comilla University on Thursday. The Department of Information and Communication Technology, in collaboration with Comilla University, organised the Central Programme of the Youth Festival 2025. The festival was celebrated under the theme "Let's change the country, change the world", aiming to encourage young entrepreneurs in the use of ICT while fostering creativity and innovation among the younger generation. The day-long event featured documentary screenings, a youth fair exhibition, cricket matches, online quiz competitions, seminars, prize distribution, and cultural performances. ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. Vice-Chancellor of Comilla University, Prof. Dr Md Haider Ali, presided over the event. Shish Haider Chowdhury stated that the spirit of youth inspires everyone to contribute to building a better Bangladesh. "This nationwide celebration, the Festival of Youth, will be a cultural event that also integrates technology, creativity, and entertainment to bring communities across Bangladesh together," he said. Partners of the event included DOICT, A2i, Bangladesh Data Center Company Limited, Startup Bangladesh Limited, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and Bangladesh Computer Council. Co-partners were PENCONS and the Peninsula Consortium. In collaboration with the Bangladesh Premier League, the Youth Festival 2025 aims to unite the nation, foster a spirit of mutual cooperation, and celebrate the beauty of Bangladesh’s diversity and culture.

The authorities at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology have announced the closure of all residential halls until further notice in the interest of ensuring students' overall safety. Students have been instructed to vacate the residential halls by 10:00 am on February 26. Kuet student delegation moves towards Dhaka to meet CA Furthermore, all academic activities at the university have been suspended until further notice. This decision was made at the 99th (Emergency) meeting of the university's syndicate, which was held on Tuesday, February 25.

A study titled ‘Expenditure review of TVET institutions in Bangladesh’ conducted by Dhaka University Bureau of Economic Research (BER) found that the annual per-student cost in polytechnic institutes is BDT 40,855, while public universities have a significantly higher average cost of BDT 166,859, about four times higher. BER revealed their study report in a roundtable conference, held in the DU Senate building on Monday. Dr. K M Kabirul Islam, secretary, TMED, ministry of education was present as a chief guest while Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, DU pro VC (admin), and Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Khan, director general, DTE as special guests at the programme. DU economics department assistant Prof. Md. Nazmul Hossain gave the finding presentation. He said, “The study aims to analyze expenditure activities, assess cost per student across programs, identify cost drivers, and recommend cost-efficiency improvements. Using a mixed-method approach, it examines 13 polytechnics and 10 TSCs, selected based on program diversity, institutional scale, and geographical location.” The study shows that in the government Technical School and College -TSCs Students’ enrolment 64% per year, activity-wise yearly per-student operating cost BDT 31,840 taka, yearly government contribution BDT 32,075 taka for per-student in the FY 2022-23. In the government polytechnics institutions, students’ enrollment is 77%, activity-wise yearly per-student operating cost BDT 27,911 taka, graduation rate 72.63% and dropout rate 27.37% in the 22-23 session. 30 Scientists, 5 farmers & a journalist honoured at BAU “The annual per-student cost in polytechnic institutes is BDT 40,855, while public universities have a significantly higher average cost of BDT 166,859, about four times higher. The median university cost is BDT 144,670. Public engineering and technology universities have the highest per-student cost at BDT 179,559, approximately 4.4 times that of polytechnics,” finds the study. The study recommends that a systematic approach is needed to boost TVET enrollment, including surveys, feedback, and awareness campaigns. Upgrading the curriculum with industry collaboration, ICT, and soft skills is crucial. Adequate funding for modern labs and alternative financing sources should be explored. Ensuring quality through assessments, stakeholder feedback, and continuous teacher training will enhance TVET’s credibility and effectiveness.

A delegation of 80 students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) on Sunday left Khulna for Dhaka to meet Chief Adviser (CA) Prof Muhammad Yunus amid unrest on their campus following series of clashes between two groups of students. Two buses carrying the students left the Kuet campus at 8am as they were scheduled to meet the CA at 11am at his official residence Jamuna. Before leaving the campus, the students wearing red clothes on heads and eyes said they were going to Dhaka to put forward their six-point demand, including resignation of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mashud Chowdhury and Pro VC Prof Dr Shariful Islam. Kuet sues 400 people over attacks on students They alleged that they are feeling insecurity on the campus and will go into safe places after meeting. The students said they would not return to the campus until their security is ensured but their activities will go online. Tensions gripped the campus following reported attacks on general students over the demand of banning student politics on the campus. Chhata Shibir and Chhatra Dal blamed each other for the attacks that left at least 50 students. In the face of demonstrations by the students, the Kuet authorities said all kinds of politics on the campus will remain banned as earlier and announced the suspension of academic activities at the university till February 28. Politics at Kuet remains banned; committee formed over clashes But, the students have been continuing their movement to realise their six-point demand.

The authorities of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) have said that the ban on politics at the university remains in effect as per a previous decision. Besides, five decisions have been made, including the formation of a four-member investigation committee, to identify those responsible for the recent clash on the campus. The decisions were made during an emergency virtual meeting of the university syndicate held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, according to a statement signed by university registrar Md Anisur Rahman Bhuiyan. The meeting was presided over by Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof Dr. Muhammad Masud. Kuet suspends academic activities until Feb 28 amid growing tensions Meanwhile, the authorities suspended Kuet’s academic activities until February 28 amid growing tensions between two groups of students over the demand for banning student politics on its campus. It also decided to expel the students involved in Tuesday’s attack, file cases against outsiders, bear the medical expenses of the injured and ensure the safety of students. Earlier, some students locked the university’s administrative and academic buildings at 1:30 pm, to press home their 6-point demand, including the resignation of Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Mohammad Masud. AL must be eradicated, not just banned: Adviser Asif On Tuesday afternoon, at least 50 students were injured in a series of clashes between ‘general students’ and the JCD activists over banning student politics on the campus. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM) and students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) held a protest rally on Tuesday night against what they described as the terrorist attack by Chhatra Dal on Kuet students.

Romania has announced exciting scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students wishing to pursue higher education in Romania. The Embassy of Romania in India, which is also accredited to Bangladesh, made the announcement on Tuesday. The Romanian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers a number of scholarships each year to citizens from non-EU countries, including Bangladesh. Assistant teacher recruitment result announced following legal procedures To be eligible, candidates must have a strong academic record, with a minimum average score of 7 or a "Good" grade, corresponding to Romania's scoring system, from their most recently graduated institutions. These scholarships cover various study programmes at the Bachelor and Master levels, with the exception of Medicine, Dental Medicine and Pharmacy. At the Bachelor and Master levels, all programmes are taught in Romanian, promoting the Romanian language and culture. For those pursuing PhD studies, programmes in English or other foreign languages may also be available, as determined by the respective doctoral schools. In addition, a preparatory year in Romanian will be provided for students who are not fluent in the language before beginning their chosen study programme, the announcement said. The application process requires several documents, including diplomas, transcripts, a birth certificate, passport and CV. 7th edition of GLENMUN held, delegates shed light on world challenges All applications must be submitted via the official Study in Romania platform, either through the "Apply for MFA scholarships" button on the website or directly at “scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro”. Applications will be accepted from January 29, 2025 to March 12, 2025, with the results of the selection process expected to be announced by June 30, 2025. Following selection, additional formalities, including visa processing, will be required. For more details and to apply, interested students are encouraged to visit the official platform and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to study in Romania. Dhaka-Rome deal offers Bangladeshi students chance to get scholarship in Italy The Embassy of Romania to the Republic of India avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the High Commission of Bangladesh to the Republic of India the assurances of its highest consideration, the announcement also said.  

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) authorities on Wednesday suspended academic activities until February 28 amid growing tensions between two groups of students over the demand for banning student politics on its campus. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the university syndicate, officials told UNB. The authorities also decided to expel the students involved in Tuesday’s attack, file cases against outsiders, bear the medical expenses of the injured and ensure the safety of students. Tension high on Kuet campus after clashes over student politics Earlier, some students locked the university’s administrative and academic buildings at 1:30 pm, to press home their 6-point demand, including the resignation of Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Mohammad Masud. A tense situation has been prevailing on the campus as some students confined the VC to the administrative building. Tensions mounted on the campus on Wednesday morning, a day after clashes between ‘general students’ and BNP’s student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) over the demand for banning student politics. The ‘general students’, however, on Tuesday night placed a-five point demand, including resignation of the VC, pro-VC and students’ affairs director. Clashes erupt at Kuet over banning student politics; BGB deployed They threatened to boycott classes and exams, if their demands are not met by 1pm on Wednesday. At 11:30pm, the ‘general students’ also brought out a protest rally and warned that no student politics on the campus would be allowed. They demanded that those attacked them be brought to justice immediately. Earlier, on Tuesday afternoon, at least 50 students were injured in a series of clashes between ‘general students’ and the JCD activists over banning student politics on the campus. Protests, counter-protests in Dhaka over chaos ignited by JCD programme at KUET The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM) and students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) held a protest rally on Tuesday night against what they described as the terrorist attack by Chhatra Dal on Kuet students. ADSM organised the rally at Dhaka University's Raju Sculpture, while Buet students gathered at their Shaheed Minar on Tuesday evening.