United News of Bangladesh

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) administration on Monday allowed student politics on campus again, after being banned last year, to maintain campus discipline. A notice signed by the university registrar, Syed Solim Md. Abdul Kadir, said that all political activities by student organizations must obtain prior approval from the university proctor. The decision follows a unanimous recommendation during a meeting on August 18 between the proctorial committee and representatives of all student organizations. SUST Football Tournament 2025 ends with Hawkaw FC crowned champions The notice emphasized that, to maintain campus discipline, students may conduct welfare-oriented political activities with mutual respect, while meetings, rallies and processions were announced to remain prohibited in academic, administrative and residential buildings. In addition, panels for the upcoming Shahjalal University Central Students’ Union (SUCSU) election and related introductory events may be organized with prior approval from the relevant hall administration.

The long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) and hall sangsad elections, previously scheduled for September 25, will now be held on October 16. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting held on Monday, according to a press release signed by Chief Election Commissioner Professor F. Nazrul Islam. The release said that the current situation at Rajshahi University is not conducive to holding the RUCSU elections. Clash at RU over ‘dependent quota’ four days ahead of RUCSU election Due to the ongoing 'Complete Shutdown' announced by the university’s teachers, officials, and employees, the participation of the required number of personnel needed to carry out election duties could not be ensured. In the interest of conducting the RUCSU elections in a festive, participatory, and fair manner, the Election Commission has unanimously decided to reschedule the polls for Thursday, October 16, 2025, instead of the previously announced date.

A group of Dhaka University (DU) students held a human chain protesting 'derogatory and racist' remarks made about the DU students by BNP Chairperson’s advisor Fazlur Rahman. They formed this human chain in front of the Raju sculpture at around 9pm on Sunday night. At that time, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Social Service Secretary A.B. Zubair, and Executive Members Tazinur Rahman, Sarba Mitra Chakma, Shahinur Rahman, and Raihan Uddin, along with university students, were present. They demanded that BNP clarify its stance regarding Fazlur Rahman. DUCSU Social Service Secretary A.B. Zubair said, “There is nothing for Madrasa students to feel hurt from Fazlur Rahman’s statement. Rather, it has been proven that Madrasa students are equally competent.” He said, “By calling Fazlur Rahman ‘Fazu Pagla’ (Crazy), we are trivializing his crime and embarrassing statement. They are doing this intentionally for Awami League’s floating votes. By using old ideology bundles and Awami rhetoric, they are doing this to draw in the hidden Awami votes.” Addressing the BNP high command, he said, “Stop these madmen of yours. The proof of why you should stop them has already been delivered in the DUCSU and JUCSU elections.” Surjasen Hall Union’s newly elected VP Azizul Haque said, “You have seen what an unprecedented contribution Madrasa students made in the July Uprising. They got their chance in the university by their own merit.” “Fazlu has been making embarrassing statements," Azizul said, adding: "We want to know whether this is Fazlur’s personal statement or BNP’s statement. We want to know the BNP's clear stance.” Azizul further said, “This Dhaka University itself is an example of beautiful harmony in Bangladesh. This must be preserved. A call to BNP- rein in your Fazlu under treatment. If he keeps making such statements that destroy the unity of the people of Bangladesh, then the people will reject you with hatred.” DUCSU demands apology In response to Fazlur Rahman’s statement, it has been stated from the DUCSU office that he must unconditionally apologize to the students of Dhaka University. In a press release signed by DUCSU General Secretary S.M. Farhad, the newly-elected student parliament strongly condemned and protested what it called "derogatory comments" made by BNP Chairperson’s advisor Advocate Fazlur Rahman about the students of Dhaka University. “After the DUCSU election, from the leadership level of BNP, Dhaka University students have been termed with hateful epithets such as ‘sold-out brains,’ ‘going with the trend,’ ‘slave,’ ‘backward,’ etc. At the same time, Fazlur Rahman remarked that Dhaka University has turned into Hathazari Madrasa. Through this comment, he has expressed his extreme hatred toward Dhaka University students and a racist attitude of social division. Such an expression of hateful mentality in post-2024 Bangladesh is contrary to the aspirations of July,” the statement asserts. The press release further states, “Dhaka University Central Students’ Union firmly asserts that such derogatory remarks are in no way acceptable. Advocate Fazlur Rahman must unconditionally apologize to the student community of Dhaka University for his irresponsible and condemnable remarks. He must refrain from making such divisive and hateful comments in the future.”

Author and academic Dr. Salimullah Khan has said that the main cause of the decline or collapse of governance is the self-deception of the ruling class.  "When rulers believe that every action they take is unquestionably correct and all other opinions and practices are wrong, deterioration in governance inevitably follows," he said. Dr. Salimullah was addressing a two-day freshers’ orientation programme for the 2024-25 academic session held at Birshrestha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium at Islamic University in Kushtia on Sunday. The second day of the two-day event welcomed students from the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Faculty of Business Administration, and Faculty of Arts. He further said, "The blood and sacrifices of millions of people under previous regimes have often gone unrecognized, and the consequences were never favorable. Considering the post-July 2024 context, those who have left the country or gone into hiding may return publicly, potentially giving rise to even harsher forms of intolerance." Highlighting ongoing literacy challenges, Dr. Salimullah said, "Illiteracy still persists at the primary level in our country. Yet we struggle, sometimes violently, to establish universities—many of which were founded at the cost of lives. Meanwhile, primary schools remain underdeveloped." He pointed to government statistics that 26 percent of our population cannot even sign their name. "Despite gaps in primary and secondary education, we have competed to establish universities." Presided over by IU vice-chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, IU pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali and Treasurer Professor M Mohammad Jahangir Alam were present as the special guests. Deans, faculty members, students, and university officials from various departments were also present on the occasion. The program began with religious scripture recitation, followed by the national anthem, a moment of silence for the July martyrs, awards for top scorers, floral greetings for freshers, and a university documentary screening. The event concluded with a cultural program.

Professor Johurul Islam of the Law Department at Islamic University in Kushtia has been dismissed for being absent from his department for over a year without permission. The decision was formalized through a notification signed by the university’s acting registrar, Professor Manjurul Haque, according to officials from the IU registrar’s office on Sunday. His dismissal follows decision no. 24 of the 270th Syndicate meeting held on August 28, 2025. Currently, Dr. Johurul Islam is in the United States, enrolled in an MS program in Instructional Design and Technology at the University of North Dakota. According to the registrar’s office, Johurul had been absent without permission since August 21, 2024. Following the 197th Standing Committee meeting on leave held on December 9, 2024, he was instructed to return to duty within a month but failed to comply. He continued to remain absent without authorization. Subsequently, an investigation committee was formed as per the 267th Syndicate meeting on February 26, 2025, to review the allegations, determine the severity of the misconduct, and recommend appropriate action. Based on the committee’s recommendation, Johurul was removed from his position, effective from August 21, 2024. Attempts to contact Johurul, currently abroad, including via WhatsApp, were unsuccessful.

The University Grants Commission Chairman Professor SMA Faiz has assured that all vacant teaching positions in public universities across the country will be filled as quickly as possible. He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at the first day of the two-day fresher orientation programme for the 2024-2025 academic session held at Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium of Islamic University in Kushtia on Saturday. 'Universities are facing severe teacher shortages. We will hold a meeting in the coming days and make every effort to approve the vacant positions. I will do everything possible for Islamic University and other universities. A dedicated team is already working on this plan, he said. Presided over by the university vice-chancellor, Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, IU pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali and treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam were present here as the special guests. IU Arabic Language and Literature department Professor M Rafiqul Islam and Social Welfare department lecturer M Habibur Rahman jointly conducted the event while the event convener and Social Sciences faculty dean Professor Begum Roksana Mili delivered welcome speech. Addressing the freshmen, Dr. Faiz recalled, 'In 2012, two students of Islamic University went missing. That reflected the political reality of the past sixteen years. We could not liberate the country, but the students of today have taken on that responsibility. I am grateful to you all for your courage in defending our freedom.' Among others, IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque, Law faculty dean Professor Khandakar Tauhidul Alam, Biological Sciences faculty dean Professor Babli Sabina Azhar, student adviser Professor Obaidul Islam, and proctor Professor Shahinuzzaman were present on the occasion. Later, a cultural function participated by teachers and students of different departments of the university was held there.

Islamic University authorities have launched an environment-friendly electric shuttle car service for students on the campus in Kushtia. IU Vice-Chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah inaugurated the 14-seat electric vehicles on a trial basis on Saturday. According to the VC’s office, the shuttles will operate across the entire campus, with a flat fare of Tk 5 regardless of distance. Electric shuttle car service launched at DU The vehicles were purchased through an installment plan, under which the university will gain full ownership within two years. University Grants Commission Chairman SMA Faiz, IU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali, Treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam, Acting Registrar Professor Monjurul Haque, and Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies Professor ABM Siddiqur Rahman Ashrafi were among those present at the launch.  

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Saturday said spending on education is always an investment in the nation’s future. “By investing in education, we are not merely helping individual students—we are shaping the future of the country,” he said while addressing a scholarship distribution ceremony of the Brahmanbaria District Association, Dhaka. He praised Brahmanbaria as the ‘Land of Heritage and Harmony’, and lauded the community’s unity and vision for building a district recognised for knowledge, culture and innovation. The Association hosted its Executive Committee Installation and Scholarship Award Ceremony at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), highlighting both the district’s heritage and its ongoing commitment to education and social advancement. A total of 312 scholarships were distributed among meritorious students—25 at Honours level, 182 at HSC level, and 105 at SSC level, aimed at nurturing academic excellence and creating opportunities for Brahmanbaria’s youth. Quality services needed to boost revenue collection: Finance adviser Brahmanbaria District Association President MA Khalek said the district has a proud tradition of producing leaders, scholars and artists. “Today we renew our commitment to building a Brahmanbaria recognised for its talent and contribution, not for negative stereotypes,” he said. General Secretary Engineer Md Khaled Hossain Mahbub (Shyamal) said the gathering was ‘a call to action’ to create and uphold a positive image of Brahmanbaria across Bangladesh and beyond. The event ended with cultural performances showcasing the rich traditions of the district, reinforcing the message of unity and pride in its heritage.

The Institute of Nutrition and Food Science (INFS) at the University of Dhaka hosted ‘INFSian Reunion-2025’ on Friday. The event brought together former students from across generations, said a media release. The day-long event turned the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) into a vibrant gathering place filled with joy, nostalgia, and camaraderie, The reunion was graced by the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, as the chief guest. Prof. Dr. Md Saidul Arefin, Director of INFS, presided over the programme. The event began with a welcome address delivered by Md Saimumuzzaman, President of the INFSian Alumni Association. Former teachers and alumni were honored at the event in recognition of their contributions. In addition, Alumni Association General Secretary Md Zahidul Monir presented an overview of the association’s background, activities, and future plans. With lively interactions, shared memories, and renewed bonds, the reunion created a bridge between past and present students, highlighting the legacy and spirit of the INFS community at Dhaka University.

Jagannath University (JnU) has arranged special buses for candidates of the 47th BCS examination scheduled for Friday. The buses will operate on three routes from the university’s transport pool. JnU Transport Administrator Tarek Bin Atik said the first bus will leave the campus at 6:45 am. He mentioned in a Facebook post on Thursday night that the buses will be at Shaheed Minar by 6 am and depart between 6:45 and 7 am. BAU to run special bus service for BCS examinees One route will cover Gulistan, Shahbagh, Farmgate, and Mohammadpur. Another will go through Gulistan, Mogbazar, Mouchak, and Titumir College. The third will operate via Gulistan, Bangla College, and Mirpur. This initiative is aimed at helping BCS candidates reach their examination centers smoothly and on time.