United News of Bangladesh

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia have issued show-cause notices to 19 teachers following an investigation into their alleged role against the student-led anti-discrimination movement in July-August last year. In a notice issued on Sunday night, the university administration directed the accused to submit written explanations within 10 working days, clarifying why disciplinary or legal action not be taken against them, IU registrar office said on Monday. The accused are M Mahbubar Rahman of EEE department, M Baki Billah Bikul and Rabiul Islam of Bangla department, Miah M Rashiduzzaman, AHM Akterul Islam Zillu and Afroza Banu of English department, M Mahbubul Arfin of management department, Kazi Akhtar Hossain and Shelina Nasrin of accounting and information systems department, Debashish Sharma of economics department, Tapon Kumar Joddar and Paresh Chandra Barman of Information and Communication Technology department, Reba Mondol and Shahjahan Mondol of Law department, Joyshree Sen of computer science and engineering department, Amjad Hossain of al-fiqh and law department, Shahidul Islam of human resource management department, Mazedul Islam of marketing and Mehedi Hasan of law and land management department of the university. According to the findings of a five-member investigation committee, the accused are alleged to have engaged in acts including threats, intimidation, aggressive behavior, use of abusive language, inciting protest slogans, and involvement in incidents of police harassment during the demonstrations. The protests, which began as a movement against discrimination in university admissions and appointments, later evolved into broader demands for democratic reforms and opposition to what many students and faculty viewed as an undemocratic takeover of university administration—commonly referred to as a "campus coup." IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Islam said that the investigation committee was formed to identify individuals involved in activities deemed subversive to institutional order. Although the panel was initially given 60 working days to complete its inquiry, it submitted its final report on August 13, following an extension. University administration said that the investigation was conducted in accordance with institutional protocols and that accountability was necessary to preserve discipline and order on campus. They asserted that no individual, regardless of position, should be exempt from consequences if found involved in unlawful acts.

Four students of Begun Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) who were on hunger strike demanding student union election fell sick on Monday. Those who fell sick were Zahid Hasan Joy, 16th batch student of Social Science Department, Mahidul Islam Mahid, 14th batch student of Disaster and Management Department, Rummanul Islam Raz, 14th batch student of Mass Communication and Journalism Department and Sumon. When university authorities tried to take them to a hospital by ambulance the students refused to go. BRUR Prof Rashidul Islam suspended over harassment allegation They are being treated at the university with saline, said Ashiqur Rahman, a student who also took part in the hunger strike. The protesters said they will continue their strike until a clear roadmap for the student union election is announced by the university. The students started the hunger strike around 11am on Sunday in front of the university’s administrative building.

Team Bangladesh has recently brought glory to the country by winning five medals at the 18th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2025, held at Jining Confucius School in China. This year, about 1,500 students from across Bangladesh took part in competitive regional and national rounds of the National Earth Olympiad (NEO). From these, four top scorers earned their place on the international stage. The team consisted of Mohammad Tahmid Rahman (Dinajpur Government College), Omar Bin Arif and Sheikh Fahim Mahmud (Notre Dame College), and Faaris Ahmed Aayan (Summerfield International School), under the mentorship of Professor Younus Ahmed Khan of Rajshahi University’s Geology Department. Tahmid Rahman emerged as the top performer with one Gold and two Silver medals across different categories, while Fahim Mahmud secured a Bronze in the individual test and Aayan bagged a Bronze in the Earth System Project.  

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, scheduled to be held on September 9 after nearly six years, is sparking intense enthusiasm among general students, students affiliated with political organizations, voters as nominations have already begun to be distributed, and the university administration are also working in full swing. However, the student wing of the BNP, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has not yet finalized its decision on who will be the candidates from their panel as discussions with the party’s top organizational leader, Tarique Rahman, are still ongoing. Mollik Wasi Uddin Tami, the office secretary of the DU JCD, says, “No decision has been made yet. Talks are underway on how we will participate. We are reviewing circumstances. The proper environment necessary for a transparent DUCSU election is questionable considering the violent reaction after forming our hall convening committees. Otherwise, we would have directly formed a panel. If the hall level elections are held, all the organizations must be given space to carry-out organizational activities freely.” Mohiuddin Khan, the general secretary of the DU Islami Chhatra Shibir, has confirmed that they are forming a panel. He says, “We are talking about DUCSU from the beginning as an organisation. The formal election process has started and the atmosphere of the campus is currently conducive, as the voters and candidates are moving around in a festive mood.” All the leftist organisations are also working to form panels. Salman Siddiqui, president of the Socialist Chhatra Front, says that their panel will include leftist student organizations, social and cultural groups, and those who actively participated in past democratic movements and the July uprising. DUCSU draft voter list published; over 39,000 eligible to vote He says, “Although the administration is taking visible steps after a year and more, yet it is a matter of hope.” From the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangha (BAGCHAS), Abdul Qader will contest for VP and Abu Baker Majumdar for general secretary. Umama Fatema, former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement and former leader of the Chhatra Federation, is also working to form an independent panel. Another independent panel is being formed under Jamaluddin Muhammad Khalid, the convener of Independent Bangladesh Students Council, along with Mahin Sarker, joint member-secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Bangladesh Chhatra Adhikar Parishad is forming a panel under its president Bin Yamin Molla, who will contest for the VP position with the banner of “DUCSU for Change”. Until now, 61 candidates have collected nomination papers, including 6 women. 14 candidates have collected nominations for the VP position of which 13 have already been submitted. Overdue Ducsu elections on Sept 9, schedule announced Nomination paper distribution will be continued until August 18, and submission will be closed at 3 pm on August 19. Preliminary candidate lists will be published on August 21, and the final lists on August 26. The last day of the withdrawal of nominations is August 25.

A group of students staged a protest at Dhaka University on Saturday accusing several cultural and media personalities of promoting ‘cultural fascism’ after they posted tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on social media marking 15 August. The protest began around 5 pm near the Raju Sculpture and later moved to the ‘Ghrina Chattar’ area of TSC. During the demonstration, students were seen hurling shoes at photographs of the named celebrities, and also at an image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman displayed on a pillar of the Dhaka Metrorail infrastructure. The protestors, who introduced themselves as general students, displayed posters and chanted slogans calling for the boycott of several well-known figures from the entertainment and media industry. Committee formed to draft framework for student politics at Dhaka University Among those named were cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, singer Lincoln (of the band Artcell), actors Siam Ahmed, Meher Afroz Shaon, Nazifa Tushi, Saju Khadem, Mumtaheena Toya, Farabi Hafiz, Arosh Khan, Irfan Sajjad, film actor Shakib Khan, and actress Mehezabien Chowdhury, among others. Participants accused the figures of supporting what they referred to as "Mujibism" and claimed these personalities were helping to re-establish an ideological agenda tied to the previous government. Protester Md. Samiul Haque, a second-year MBBS student at Dhaka Medical College, said for the past 16 years, the country has suffered under political, economic, and cultural fascism driven by Mujibism and Bakshali ideology. Following the July mass uprising, we believe Bangladesh has been freed from this regime. But now, certain cultural figures are attempting to revive that same fascism through their platforms. We reject and resist this.” The protesters labelled them as "cultural fascists" and vowed to boycott them.

The longstanding affiliation of seven government colleges with the University of Dhaka has officially come to an end as all administrative, academic, and financial responsibilities have been formally transferred to the authorities of the proposed Dhaka Central University. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan handed over all responsibilities and student information—including photographs and admission test fees for the 2024–25 academic year applicants—to Professor AKM Elias, the interim administrator of the proposed Dhaka Central University on Thursday, according to the university’s public relations office. With this formal handover, the university administration announced the completion of the separation of the seven colleges from Dhaka University. DU VC Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan expressed his sincere gratitude to all involved in the smooth and dignified separation process. He also extended his best wishes for the future success of the proposed Dhaka Central University. The event was attended by Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha, Pro-VC(Education) Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Science Professor Dr Abdus Salam, Proctor Associate Prof Saifuddin Ahmed, Acting Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed, and the Convener of the Online Admission Committee, along with officials from the relevant departments and the principals of the respective colleges.

All the independent Ebtedayee  Madrashas will be brought under the MPO system within the next week, said Education Ministry's Technical and Madrasha Division secretary KM Kabirul Islam on Wednesday. He said this at a meeting with the Education Reporters Association Bangladesh (ERAB) at the Secretariat. The secretary said the staffing structure and MPO policy for private madrashas  were submitted to the Chief Adviser (CA) and would be sent to the Finance Ministry for approval. Independent Ebtedayee Madrasa teachers threaten burial shrouds protest for nationalisation delay He also said that the institutions recognised before 2006 that were previously excluded in a discriminatory manner by the previous government would be prioritized. He said no new educational institution had been included in the MPO since 2022. The MPO summary was sent to the CA and should be finalised by tomorrow or the next week, he added. He also said 2000 madrashas will get new buildings as 6,389 madrasas have not received any new building since 2006. ERAB President Faruk Hossain, General Secretary Solaiman Salman and other members were present at the meeting.

Ahead of the much-anticipated Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) elections, the university administration has directed all non-students to vacate residential halls by August 16, prioritising overall campus security. The directive was announced on Sunday following the formal declaration of the JUCSU election schedule, which sets September 11 as the polling date. The announcement was made at the university’s Senate building by Professor Dr. AKM Rashidul Alam, Proctor of Jahangirnagar University and Member Secretary of the JUCSU Election Commission. "To ensure a secure environment for the upcoming JUCSU elections, we are asking former students—particularly those who have completed their master’s degrees—to vacate the halls by August 16," said Professor Rashidul Alam. "We are also requesting hall provosts to confirm compliance and take necessary steps. If required, we will take effective action." The JUCSU elections are being held for the first time in 33 years, marking a significant development in campus politics and student representation at Jahangirnagar University. Chief Election Commissioner Prof. Moniruzzaman expressed hope for a smooth electoral process. "We are organising JUCSU elections after more than three decades. Our goal is to ensure the elections are free, fair, and acceptable. We seek everyone’s cooperation in achieving that," he said.  

A group of female students at Jagannath University (JnU) formed a human chain on Sunday in protest against derogatory remarks made about the Islamic practice of 'parda' and what they called insults against women. The protest took place in front of the university’s Bhasha Shaheed Rafiq Bhaban at 3:30pm under the banner of general students. The demonstrators alleged that Shamsul Arefin, member secretary of JnU Chhatra Dal, the BNP's student front, had made a satirical post on Facebook by sharing a photo of a meeting between members of the Dhaka University (DU) unit of Islami Chhatri Sangstha, the women's branch of Jamaat e Islami's student wing, with the DU Vice-Chancellor. In follow-up comments under the post, he allegedly made sexually suggestive and offensive remarks, including the statement: “There’s excellent parda beneath a lungi. We don’t have a problem with parda — the circus does.” Group of DU students issue 24-hour ultimatum to cancel permit for UN rights office in Dhaka Students said that such comments are not only offensive but also an attack on the religious sentiments and rights of Muslim women. “The parda is not just a piece of cloth,” one protester said. “It is a matter of religious rights and emotion. In a Muslim-majority country, such trivialisation cannot be tolerated.” Participants in the human chain raised two demands: Shamsul Arefin must issue a public apology and the university administration must take effective steps to prevent the abuse of women wearing the veil. Humaira, a student from the Department of Islamic History and Culture, said “We live in a country where 94 percent of the population are Muslims. No decent person can make such insulting remarks about the veil. Why do we have to hear such things even after achieving independence? I strongly condemn and protest this.” Tisha, a student from the 2024–25 session of the Department of Drama, said the veil is a compulsory provision in Islam. It is our right as Muslim women. “No sensible person would make abusive or vulgar comments about it,” she added. Bushra, from the Philosophy Department, commented: “His words have disrespected all Muslim women. He must offer a public apology.” Sumaiya, a student of the English Department, said this is not just an insult to Muslim women—it is an insult to all women. We demand that the administration ensures no one can insult women wearing the veil in the future.” Bank officials block Ctg–Cox’s Bazar highway protesting termination of 7,000 employees The controversy erupted after Shamsul Arefin’s Facebook post went viral on Saturday night. He had shared an image of a courtesy meeting between members of the DU unit of Islami Chhatri Sangstha, and the DU Vice-Chancellor, captioning it: ‘Applause for Sir.’ In response to a comment from a Facebook user named GMS Ahmed Reza, who wrote, "Brother, where is the problem in the picture? You do politics, but don’t maintain the minimum sense on where to criticise or troll." Shamsul Arefin replied: “This is it... that Se_ is what I want to learn from Sir and Sir’s students. Sorry Sense.” His remarks drew widespread criticism on social media and fuelled anger among students, prompting today’s protest.

Islamic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah has said that the July-August Revolution will serve as a guiding force for Bangladesh’s democratic future. The visuals of the mass uprising reflect the nation’s true identity and history, he said while speaking at the inauguration of a documentary exhibition on the "July-August Revolution" at the Faculty Building on Monday. The event, held around 11am, marked the anniversary of the July mass uprising that led to sweeping political change. "We may not remain forever, but these images will live on in our souls and in the archives of our hearts. Future generations of students will remember how the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the people united to overthrow fascism and dictatorship. This is our ideal, our inspiration," he said. Dr. Nasrullah emphasised the collective commitment to building a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh. "We will never allow fascism to return. Together, we will build a beautiful Bangladesh," he added. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Yeaqub Ali, Treasurer Professor Dr. Jahangir Alam, Dean of Arts Professor Dr. Emtiaz Hossain, July 36 Hall Provost Professor Dr. AKM Shamsul Haque Siddiqui, CSE Department Chair Professor Dr. Rabiul Haque, University Proctor Professor Dr. Shahinuzzaman, and several faculty members and student leaders, including former ASDM coordinator SM Sweet. The documentary showcases key moments from the historic movement and will remain on display for students and faculty.