United News of Bangladesh

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  

A crucial step has been taken towards the long-sought Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election, as the university administration confirms the possibility of forming the Ducsu Election Commission soon. According to the election timeline published in mid-April, the commission was scheduled to be formed in the first half of May and work is currently progressing towards that objective. Once constituted, the commission will officially initiate the Ducsu election process. Professor Dr Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University, said, “The election commission may be formed soon. We are considering a few names—individuals capable of connecting with students, fostering good relations and organising a fair election. We are speaking with those who are experienced and broadly acceptable.” Earlier, a survey indicated that students supported a jointly formed commission with representation from both students and teachers. Overwhelming majority of students in favour of DUCSU election by June: Survey Addressing this, Dr Bidisha noted, “Students have given some excellent opinions. However, students will not be included in the election commission. Once the commission is formed, implementing student suggestions will be among its responsibilities.” Meanwhile, the Ducsu constitution and the code of conduct for the election have been finalised. Key Provisions of the Code of Conduct: ·         No rallies or processions are allowed during the collection and submission of nomination papers. ·         Candidates must not be accompanied by more than five supporters when collecting or submitting nomination forms. ·         No individual, group, or student organisation may obstruct another candidate during nomination submission or withdrawal. ·         Use of vehicles for processions or transporting voters is prohibited, although rickshaws and bicycles may be used to reach polling centres. ·         Distribution of drinks, food, gifts, or tips to voters is strictly forbidden during the campaign and on the election day. ·         Campaigning is permitted from the publication of the final candidate list until 24 hours before the election day, between 10:00 am and 11:00 pm only. ·         Microphone use is prohibited after 10:00 pm. DU students submit memorandum demanding DUCSU election roadmap ·         Only Ducsu and hall union voters and candidates may campaign; no external campaigning is allowed within the campus. ·         Permission must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance for holding any meetings or gatherings. ·         Each candidate or group may hold one projection meeting in each hall and a maximum of three across the university. ·         Meetings, gatherings, or processions are restricted to locations approved by the chief returning officer or returning officers. Violations of the code of conduct may result in cancellation of candidacy and a fine of Tk 20,000. Besides, offenders may face expulsion or other penalties under applicable university or state laws. Reforms in the Ducsu Constitution: ·         This new Ducsu constitution includes notable reforms: ·         The mass uprising of 2024 has been formally recognised. ·         Two new sub-sections have been added under Section 2: ·         2(b): To establish the spirit of the July 2024 uprising against all forms of discrimination and fascism, and uphold the legacy of democratic movements in Bangladesh’s history. ·         2(c): To strive for excellence in students’ academic and co-curricular pursuits. The post of Secretary, Struggle for Independence and Liberation War Affairs has been restructured as Secretary, Liberation War and Democratic Movements. The roles of Cultural Secretary and Literature Secretary have been merged into a single position—Secretary, Culture and Literature. The Treasurer will be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from among the university’s professors, in consultation with the union’s executive committee. Any objections regarding the election must be submitted to the president within three clear days of the results’ publication. The president’s decision will be final. DU Chhatra Shibir demands DUCSU election roadmap announcement by Jan However, the previous clause stating, “No action will lie against this decision in any court of law,” has now been removed.    

Students of Barishal University (BU) on Monday night began an indefinite hunger strike demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Professor Sucharita Sharmin, against whom they were already embroiled in a movement stretching back over four weeks. Till now, the students had organised sit-ins on campus, torch processions on the Dhaka-Kuakata highway, blockades, and press briefings, besides locking the Vice Chancellor’s residence, to press home their demand.  Today's move raises the stakes of the movement, although the demand remains the same. The announcement of the wildcat hunger strike came during an emergency press briefing where student leader Sujoy Shuvo declared Dr. Sharmin ‘unwanted’ on campus. The students started the strike at 9:30pm. Apparently the VC has not communicated with students at any point during their 28-day-long protest, instead choosing to address the situation via a Facebook livestream recently. “We reject this fascist leadership],” Shuvo said. Barishal University students begin academic shutdown

The University Grants Commission (UGC) will soon take a decision on allowing private universities to introduce PhD programmes, UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz said on Sunday. He made the remarks while speaking at a stakeholder consultation on the Private University Act 2010 (Amended 2024) held at the UGC auditorium. Dr Faiz said only those private universities that meet the required academic and infrastructural standards would be permitted to offer PhD programmes. Highlighting the role of universities in society, he said they are not isolated from its challenges and therefore have a responsibility to conduct research aimed at solving pressing social issues. He also urged university authorities to be mindful of students’ changing expectations and mental well-being in the context of current social and political dynamics, and to take proactive steps in addressing these concerns. Govt to initiate PhD programme in nursing: UGC chairman Clarifying the Commission’s role, he said, “The Commission does not view itself as a regulatory authority but rather as a facilitator for enhancing the quality of higher education and research.” He assured that all constructive recommendations made during the meeting would be given due consideration. The event was chaired by Dr Md Sultan Mahmud Bhuiyan, Director of UGC’s Private University Division, while Prof Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Acting Member in charge of the division, attended as special guest. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Rajshahi University VC Dr Saleh Hasan Nakib, Jagannath University VC Prof Dr Rezaul Karim, North South University VC Prof Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, East West University VC Prof Dr Shams Rahman, National University VC Prof Mohammad Nurul Islam, Brac University Dean Prof Dr Yusuf Haider, and Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University Dr Mohammad Sabur Khan, among others, also joined the consultation. Nuri Shahreen Islam, Senior Assistant Director of the Private University Division, conducted the programme.