United News of Bangladesh

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday proposed to allocate Tk 110,657 crore for education and technology sector in the national budget for FY 2025-26, which is almost the same as in the outgoing fiscal year. The allocation for this sector was Tk 111,158 crore in the national budget for FY 2024-25 passed in June 2024. The finance advisor on Monday afternoon unveiled the national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year through the state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. The allocation for the education and technology sector is 14 percent of the national budget for the FY 2025-26. Tk 2,956 crore allocated for Election Commission in proposed budget Out of Tk Tk 110,657 crore, Tk 35,403 crore was allocated for the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Tk 47,563 crore for the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Tk 12,869 crore for the Science and Technology Ministry, Tk 2,144 crore for ICT Division, and Tk 12,678 for Technical and Madrasa Education Division. The Finance Adviser in his budget speech said there is no alternative to science, technology or technical education to build a strong economic structure. “This year’s budget has given special priority to creating the environment for a science-based, technology-driven and employment-oriented education,” he said.

The online General Diary (GD) service has officially been launched across all police stations under the Sylhet Range, marking another step in Bangladesh Police’s ongoing efforts to simplify and digitalise public services. Implemented on Sunday following directives from the chief adviser, the initiative allows citizens to file all types of GDs from home, eliminating the need to physically visit a police station. According to a media release from the Police Headquarters, the online GD service is already in operation under Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Chattogram Metropolitan Police and all police stations within the Chattogram Range. Earlier, only GDs related to the loss or recovery of items could be submitted online. With the latest rollout, residents of all districts within the Sylhet Range can now file any category of GD online. Online GD service to be launched in Ctg The service is expected to be introduced in other ranges and metropolitan areas in phases, the media release added. To use the service, users must download the ‘Online GD’ app from the Google Play Store and complete a one-time registration. For any issues during registration or submission, citizens can contact the 24/7 hotline at 01320001428 for support. Bangladesh Police remains committed to delivering prompt and accessible services to the doorsteps of citizens.

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has announced a 21-day break in celebration of Eid-ul-Azha and the summer vacation. According to an official notification issued by the university's registrar on Sunday, all classes will remain suspended from May 25 to June 12. The vacation period will be extended by two days due to Fridays and Saturdays on June 13 and 14. However, university offices will remain open from May 25 to 27. The university community and students are advised to plan accordingly for the upcoming holiday break.

International School Dhaka (ISD) has recently expanded their IB (International Baccalaureate) scholarship opportunities to MYP (Middle Years Programme) students from ages 11 to 16, which was previously limited to only Diploma Programme students (Grades 11 and 12).  Now, it’s open for students from Grade 6 through Grade 11 for the academic year beginning in August 2025, says a press release. The expansion of the scholarship opportunity underscores a bold step in ISD’s commitment to making world-class education more accessible to many deserving students. By providing scholarships earlier, the school is enabling learners to benefit from the full IB (International Baccalaureate) journey, and it will also offer a stronger foundation for success in the DP and beyond. The scholarship programme  is open to new students with strong academic potential, commitment to co-curricular activities, and leadership qualities. Students don't need perfect grades but must demonstrate academic potential, strong personal qualities, and motivation.  Successful applicants will receive a full waiver on admission fees and a scholarship opportunity of between 50 and 90 percent on school fees, based on academic performance and overall profile. In exceptional cases, 100% of fees will be covered.

Chairman of University Grants Commission Prof Dr SMA Faiz on Thursday said the existing gap between teachers and students in various universities needs to be narrowed. "A distance between teachers and students created in different universities in the country. This gap between the teachers and students must be reduced to overcome the current situation," he said. He made the remarks while addressing the certificate awarding ceremony of the 31st foundational training programme for university teachers at the UGC auditorium. The UGC chairman suggested the university teachers to be more humane towards the students. SMA Faiz called upon the universities to take timely initiatives to meet the evolving demands and aspirations of the new generation. UGC to decide soon on launching PhD programmes at pvt universities: Chairman Faiz UGC members Prof Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan and Prof Dr Masuma Habib, as well as Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, also spoke at the event presided over by UGC Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam A total of 25 young faculty members from 13 public universities took part in the month-long foundational training, organised by Graduate Training Institute (GTI) of BAU with financial support from the UGC.

Interim-Vice Chancellor (VC) of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) Prof Dr Md Hazrat Ali has stepped down amid  teachers’ protests. Abdur Rahman, deputy registrar of the university, said that the VC submitted his resignation letter to the Ministry of Education on Thursday. Earlier in the morning, Kuet teachers formed a human chain demanding resignation of the VC and expressed a lack of confidence in his leadership. On April 25, the ministry relieved former VC Prof Dr Muhammad Masud and Pro VC Prof Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam of their posts amid student movement. Kuet teachers demand resignation of interim VC On May 1, the government appointed Prof Hazrat Ali, a faculty member of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet), as Kuet VC. Amid the protests and counter-protests by the teachers and students, the VC left the campus for Dhaka on May 19 saying his official urgency.

A letter will soon be sent to the higher authorities of law enforcement agencies to request police patrol vehicles in front of the three female halls of Dhaka University regarding the security of female students.  The decision was made in a meeting held at the university's proctor's office on Monday. The meeting was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan.  It was also decided that two members of the proctorial team will perform duties in front of the three female halls—Kabi Sufiya Kamal Hall, Sheikh Fajilatunnesa Mujib Hall, and Bangladesh Kuet Moitri Hall—regularly in two shifts from 6 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 10 pm to ensure safety and smooth movement.  A contact number for the proctor's office will be posted at the entrance of these three halls. If necessary, students can call this number to seek aid from the proctor's office.  The administration has also decided to modernize the proctorial team; new vehicles will be provided for them. Search operations will be intensified to evict floating and vagrant people.  Operations to control outsiders will continue as well. Prof. Niaz said at the meeting, “Although we have limitations, the security system of the campus is being continuously improved. We are taking strict measures to ensure students’ security. I seek everyone’s cooperation in this matter.” Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Prof. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, along with assistant proctors, were also present at the meeting.  

The technical session of the second day of the three-day International Conference and Bioscience Carnival (ICBC), organised for the first time by the joint initiative of Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU) and Bangladesh Biosafety and Biosecurity Society (BBBS), was held on Saturday. The session began at 9 am and lasted until 3:45 pm. It was conducted in three sessions in the conference room of the university’s Academic Building. Around 7–10 research papers were presented in each session, including keynote and invited speeches. Meanwhile, posters were displayed from 12 pm to 1 pm, during which the selection committee evaluated them. At this conference, researchers presented approximately 84 papers on the diagnosis and treatment of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in animals and agriculture, drug discovery and development; cancer and diabetes, antimicrobial resistance control, infection prevention, biosafety and biosecurity, alternative medicine, and natural products in human, animal, and environmental health. Professors, researchers, and students from various renowned research institutions presented papers at this ICBC conference. Three research papers were presented by students and researchers from Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU). These studies covered issues related to ethno-medicinal plants in the hilly region, new industries in agriculture, and the impact of pests and diseases on different species of trees. Each research paper highlighted the research goals, objectives, results, impacts, and proposals for action. In his closing remarks, Dr Chandan Kumar Roy, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Bangladesh Medical University, and Co-Chair of ICBC, thanked the professors and researchers from various renowned universities and research institutions across the country. He also highlighted the history of BBBS from its inception and its important role in the health sector by providing laboratory services during the Covid-19 period. He expressed hope for future collaboration with RMSTU. RMSTU Vice-Chancellor and ICBC Chairman Professor Dr Md Atiyar Rahman urged researchers from various government and private research institutions to create internship opportunities for RMSTU students in their institutions or laboratories and to foster cooperation. He also expressed his gratitude to the teachers, researchers, students, officials, employees, sponsors, and media partners from various universities and research institutions who participated in the conference.  

The three-day ‘International Bioscience Conference and Carnival’ is set to begin on Friday at Rangamati Science and Technology University (RMSTU). With the theme “Innovation and Collaboration in Bioscience, Biosafety, and Biosecurity: Bridging Sustainable Health and Agriculture,” the event aims at bringing together local and international scientists, researchers, and students for exchanging knowledge and sharing innovation. The opening ceremony will begin at 2:30pm at the Rangamati Tourism Holiday Complex where RMSTU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman will deliver a welcome speech. Keynote speeches from leading national researchers and a discussion session on infectious disease control, genetic research, artificial intelligence, and health technologies are scheduled to be held. Over the next two days, all sessions will be hosted on the RMSTU campus. The event features a wide array of activities including lectures, technical sessions, poster presentations, a science-themed debate, idea contests and a vibrant science carnival. Second IHSB Business Carnival to begin on Friday at Uttara Researchers will present findings on emerging topics such as new drug discoveries, evolving strains of dengue and influenza, the use of probiotics, and AI-driven disease diagnostics. Organisers expressed hope that the conference will mark a new chapter for scientific research and innovation in the hill region, strengthening the academic and research ecosystem of Rangamati and beyond.

Students of Jagannath University (JnU) continued their sit-in protest for a second consecutive day on Thursday, occupying the busy Kakrail intersection in Dhaka to press home their three-point demand. They blocked the road at Kakrail chanting slogans like “Aposh Na Sngram, Sangram Sangram,” “Dalali Na Rajpath, Rajpath Rajpath,” “Lorai Lorai Lorai Sai, Lorai Kora Bashta Sai.” Their demands are housing allowance for 70% students of the university from the next fiscal year, approving a full budget for Jagannath University for the 2025-26 fiscal year and building a second campus for the university. 10 injured in clash between two BNP factions in Rajshahi The students declared that they would not vacate the streets until their demands are met. Law enforcement personnel, including members of the army, police, and SWAT teams, were deployed to maintain order in the area. Police foil long march of JnU students near Jamuna