United News of Bangladesh

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.

Schedule for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations 2025 was officially announced on Wednesday. As per the published timetable, theoretical exams will start on June 26 and conclude on August 10. The practical exams are scheduled to begin on August 11 and will run until August 21. Demonstrate at Secretariat: 26 HSC students sent to jail The schedule was signed by Professor SM Kamal Uddin Haider, president of the Inter-Education Board Examination Control Committee and the Controller of Examinations of the Dhaka Education Board. Special Instructions for HSC 2025 Candidates * Candidates must arrive in the exam hall 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. * The exam will begin with a multiple-choice (MCQ) section, followed by the creative/written (theoretical) exam. * The 30-mark MCQ exam will last 30 minutes, while the 70-mark creative exam will have a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes. * For exams that include practical components, the 25-mark MCQ exam will be allotted 25 minutes, and the 50-mark creative exam will last 2 hours and 35 minutes. * Exams will be held without any breaks, as indicated in the question paper. There will be no break between the MCQ and creative sections. Exam Timings For morning exams starting at 10:00 am: *  Unwritten answer sheets and MCQ OMR sheets will be distributed at 9:30 am. * The MCQ question papers will be given at 10:00 am. * The MCQ answer sheets will be collected at 10:30 am, and creative question papers will be distributed (for 25-mark MCQ exams, this will happen at 10:25 am). For afternoon exams starting at 2:00 pm: * Unwritten answer sheets and MCQ OMR sheets will be distributed at 1:30 pm. * The MCQ question papers will be distributed at 2:00 pm. * The MCQ answer sheets will be collected at 2:30 pm, and creative question papers will be distributed (for 25-mark MCQ exams, this will happen at 2:25 pm). The exam will proceed as per the schedule mentioned in the question paper. Candidates are instructed to collect their admit cards from the heads of their institutions. Each candidate must correctly fill in their exam roll number, registration number, subject code, and other details on the OMR form and circle the correct options. Candidates are strictly prohibited from writing in the margins or folding the answer sheet for any reason. 26 sued over HSC students’ demonstration at Secretariat It is essential for candidates to pass separately in theoretical, MCQ, and practical sections (where applicable). Candidates can only sit for the exams of the subjects mentioned on their registration card and admit card. Under no circumstances are they allowed to appear for exams in other subjects. General scientific calculators are permitted during the exam, but programming calculators are not allowed.

Students of Barishal Medical College continued protest for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding immediate end of teachers’ shortage to ensure smooth operation of academic activities. The protesting students staged demonstrations on Bandh Road and formed a human chain at noon. The students put two main entry gates under lock and key and hung banners reading ‘Complete Shutdown’ at the gates. The administrative and academic activities of the college came to a halt as officials from couldn’t enter due to the lock. The protesters threatened that they will continue the movement until their demand is met. Barishal’s Sher-e-Bangla Medical College students protest teacher shortage College Principal Faizul Bashar said they have already informed the ministry and the departments concerned regarding the matter. The recruitment of teachers won’t be possible if they (government) don’t take initiatives, he said, adding they, on their own side, are trying to address the crisis. Currently, 188 out of 334 posts of teachers remain vacant, hampering the academic activities.

Clashes broke out between two groups of students over the demand of banning student politics on Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) campus on Tuesday. Public Relations Officer of Border Guard of Bangladesh Md Shariful Islam said two platoons of BGB members were deployed amid tension on the campus. Witnesses said some general students marched on the campus with slogans in favour of banning student politics on the campus on Tuesday afternoon. Later, another group of students, said to be members of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), also brought out a counter-procession from the Central Mosque area, sparking tension on the campus. A group of outsiders allegedly joined the JCD members and locked into a clash with the general students, leaving several injured.    Torture on student: Kuet professor among 15 sued over attempted murder Witness said that four ambulances entered the campus and took the injured to several hospitals. The outsiders again beat up a student at the pocket gate of the university at 2 pm and left him on the campus. Enraged by it, the general students vandalised a few houses in front of the pocket gate of the campus.   Members from police, Army and Navy rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, said Khanjahan police station’s Officer-in-Charge Md Kabir Hossain. Additional police personnel were deployed on the campus to ward off any unwanted incident, said the OC. Though UNB could not verify the number of the injured people, police and witnesses said the number would be over 50.