Dhaka University (DU) has declared a one-day holiday on Sunday to honour the death of its former Vice-Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique. In line with university traditions, the decision was made to pay respect to the late professor, according to a notification issued by the university’s Public Relations Office on Saturday. “As per normal practices announcements were made via loudspeakers across the campus after Dr Arefin Sidique’s death, condolence messages were issued, a special prayer was held at the central mosque, and arrangements were made to inform everyone about the funeral details with the family’s consent,” the notification said. The funeral prayer and burial arrangements were made in accordance with the family’s wishes, which the university administration fully respected, it added. Professor Arefin Siddique was admitted to the ICU of the Neuroscience Unit at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital after falling ill and March 7, DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan visited him at the hospital and inquired about his condition. Former DU VC Prof Arefin Siddique laid to rest in Azimpur Throughout his treatment, the administration remained in regular contact with his family, colleagues, and well-wishers. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan along with other senior university officials attended his funeral prayer and burial, it added. Prof Arefin Siddique passed away on Thursday night at the age of 72. He was laid to rest at Azimpur Graveyard in the city on Friday afternoon. He was buried beside his parents at 3:55 pm following his third Namaz-e-Janaza, which took place at Dhanmondi Eidgaon ground shortly after his second one at Dhanmondi Eidgah Mosque following the Jumma prayers. Earlier, his first Namaz-e-Janaza was held at Al-Aksa Mosque on Green Road. The current Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan attended the funeral prayer there. After the prayers, the Vice-Chancellor told the media that the Namaz-e-Janaza would not be held on the Dhaka University campus in consideration of the overall situation and as per the family's decision. But Prof Arefin’s brother Atiqullah Siddique told the media on Thursday night that the family would arrange his Namaz-e-Janaza at Al-Aksa Mosque, and if the DU family wished, they could take an initiative to arrange the funeral prayer on the DU campus.

Dhaka University’s affiliation with seven government colleges will be cancelled from the 2024-25 academic session, said DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Neaz Ahmad Khan. The Vice Chancellor made the announcement after an emergency meeting with principals of the affiliated colleges at the VC’s office on Monday. No new students will be enrolled under DU for these colleges in the upcoming session, he said. DU Arts, Law and Social Science unit admission test held The seven colleges are Dhaka College, Government Bangla College, Titumir College, Eden Mohila College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College and Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls' College. During the meeting, Dhaka University authorities expressed sincere regret for the unfortunate incident that occurred in the affiliated colleges and called on the students to maintain patience, harmony and cordial relations. In response to students' demands, a recommendation was made in the meeting to conduct future academic activities from 2024-2025 academic year through an expert committee formed by the Ministry of Education. Rabindra University students stage demo demanding permanent campus The expert committee formed by the ministry will make decisions regarding the number of seats and admission fees. Dhaka University authorities will ensure that the education of students currently enrolled in the university’s ongoing academic programmes is not adversely affected. Earlier, students from the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University issued a four-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate action on their six demands and threatened to wage tougher measures if their demands are not met by 4:00 pm today (Monday). Students demand MBBS admission test results be republished Addressing a press conference held at Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar, representatives of the protesting students outlined their demands and condemned the events of the previous night in Dhaka University areas. They accused Dhaka University authorities and local police of the clashes that happened overnight in New Market, Nilkhet and Dhaka University areas, which left over 40 people injured, including journalists and students.

The admission test for the undergraduate programme of the Arts, Law and Social Science unit (B unit) of Dhaka University for the 2024-2025 academic session was held on Saturday. The admission test was held on Dhaka University campus and in 7 other divisional cities of the country. Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan visited the Arts Building exam center. Students demand MBBS admission test results be republished Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, and Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmad were present. VC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan expressed satisfaction over the smooth and peaceful conduct of the admission test. SUST students protest against discriminatory quotas and high fees He sincerely thanked all concerned for their cooperation in organising the test in a transparent and orderly manner. A total of 125,500 applicants applied for 2,934 seats this year.

Students have issued an ultimatum for the republication of medical admission test results for the 2024-25 academic year by today, calling for the abolition of all irrational quotas, including the freedom fighter quota. The demand was made during a sit-in and protest rally today held at the Central Shaheed Minar at 11:30 am. Students from Dhaka University also expressed solidarity with the protest. MBBS admission test results published During the event, protesters raised various slogans. “Yesterday, many candidates with 40 or 41 marks gained admission, while others who scored double that could not. Isn’t this discrimination?,” said Kumudini Women's Medical College Psychiatry Prof Dr Major (retd) Abdul Wahab, while expressing solidarity with the students. “Since you have learned to protest, you must continue to fight for your rights on the streets,” he said urging the students. Doha, a student of Dhaka Medical College, said, “After a successful movement demanding the abolition of discrimination, this kind of biased treatment in the medical admission exam should not happen. When the passing mark is 40, how can someone with 37 or 38 marks gain admission? We demand an end to this discrimination today.” MBBS admission test to be held Friday Abir Hossain, a student of Sir Salimullah Medical College, said, “In previous years, students scoring slightly below the cutoff could gain admission through quotas. But this year, candidates with marks 30 to 35 below the cutoff have been admitted through the quota system, which is unacceptable. We demand the abolition of all quotas, including the freedom fighter quota, and the republication of the results today.” Mahin Sarkar, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also expressed solidarity with the medical students, saying, “Even after the movement in Bangladesh, we see irrational quotas being implemented in medical colleges. “Some students scoring 72 marks didn’t gain admission, while others with 40 marks did. We demand the immediate republication of the medical admission results and the abolition of all irrational quotas in all universities and medical admission exams,” he said.

A section of Dhaka University  students held a protest march early Saturday and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the university administration to take action against President of Chhatra Union Meghmallar Bosu  for a ‘extremist’ Facebook post. The protest march began at 12:30 am on Friday night from when students from various halls joined the march. The procession passed through Mohsin Hall, the VC Chattar, and concluded at the Raju Sculpture. After the march, at around 1:30 am, the protesting students painted over the graffiti of Siraj Sikder on the wall of the Central Library, calling it a symbol of red terrorism. DU Volleyball: Kabi Jashimuddin Hall, Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall win In his post, Chhatra Union President Meghmallar wrote, "The only option is red terror. Defensive violence for the sake of the marginalised. As long as we perform vigils and processions that have no capacity to turn violent, you will never be able to protect your comrades. People will like you, but no one will be inspired. No one needs another 'liberal' party. No one cares for willing martyrs. The only good fascist is a dead one." "In this right-wing madness, you will be killed in the name of sovereignty and then have your character assassinated. Liberals and 'centrists' who have sold their hearts to the far-right will claim it was a cultural war and how both sides are bad. You have very few comrades. You can't afford to lose even one. And the people are like sheep. Are you willing to become a lifelong shepherd?" "Stop doing public demonstrations. Stop posting Committees in public. We will be wiped out if we are not careful. The teeth and claws are coming out. You will not troll and meme your way out of this. Let's take this to the underground comrade. Stay tuned. For this is the most one should say publicly," he mentioned in the post. Traffic congestion escalates in Narayanganj city due to rules violation During the rally, coordinator Mahin Sarkar said, "We have seen the student wing of the Awami League giving space to these leftist organisations on campus. Now, they are providing opportunities for the Awami League’s narrative and stance. Yesterday, they behaved arrogantly with the proctor. Today, they have openly declared red terror. Since the Liberation War, all extrajudicial killings are linked to this red terror. Meghamallar Bosu who instigated this red terror must be brought under the law within 24 hours." Dhaka University Bengla Department student Musaddik Ali Ibne Mohammad said the notorious red terror of the 80s and 90s is reappearing openly. They want to create a conflict situation, disrupt the Dhaka University Student Union (DUCSU) elections. Surjasen Hall resident student Azizul Haque, he said.

Dhaka University (DU) administration will launch a temporary financial assistance programme for female students who cannot stay in university halls due to accommodation crisis. Starting next month, each eligible student will receive Tk 3,000 per month under this programme. DU Treasurer Professor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury shared this information during a press conference held at the Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom, near the Vice-Chancellor's office, on Wednesday. Textbook distribution to be completed by Feb: Press Secretary  He said that the university lacks adequate accommodation facilities for female students. Although the university has taken various initiatives to address this issue, the process takes time. In response to student needs, DU will start the financial assistance programme as a temporary measure. "This assistance may not be a large amount, but it will help the students to some extent. All students who have not been allotted a seat will receive this assistance,” added the treasurer.  The university is also working on constructing new halls, and temporary bunk beds have already been installed.  Professor Jahangir Alam also said that the Chinese  Embassy in Bangladesh has confirmed the construction of a hall for 2,500 female students.  Teachers should be honored with the highest status: Hasnat Abdullah DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Sayma Haque Bidisha said that building the necessary infrastructure will take some time, but the administration is working diligently to alleviate students' hardships in the meantime. The financial assistance programme will provide temporary relief, allowing students to stay elsewhere. DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Chairperson of the Provost Standing Committee, and other female hall provosts, were present at the time, among others.  

BDR Welfare Council of Dhaka district has organised a human chain at Dhaka University to press home their various demands including the release of innocent BDR members for their suspected involvement in Pilkhana massacre. The human chain was formed at 11:30 am in front of the Raju Sculpture as part of a nationwide programme. Their other key demands included identifying and ensuring exemplary punishment of those responsible for the brutal killing of 57 army officers and 74 others in Pilkhana massacre, reinstatement of jobs of those BDR members unjustly dismissed through 18 special courts, and restoration of their government benefits such as rations, salary allowances, and promotions. They also demanded removal of Section 2 (e) of the notification to allow the investigation commission to work independently, impartially, and without fear. Coordinator Mahin Sarker stated, "It is unfortunate that even after the 24th uprising, we still have to demand justice for the Pilkhana massacre. We have to stand at Shahbagh.. Their release of BDR members and the trial of the massacre must happen quickly." VAT hike on mobile, internet services sparks protests He announced that a larger gathering will be organised soon and urged all BDR members and their families to attend. Earlier, on January 9, coordinator Mahin Sarker had declared a program for the BDR Welfare Council to organise human chains across the country from the Central Shaheed Minar.

The father of Felano Khatun recalled the harrowing moments of January 7, 2011 on Tuesday, when he watched his daughter lose her life in front of his own eyes after being shot by the Indian Border Security Force. "They shot my daughter, Felani, like a bird and left her hanging on barbed wire," Nurul Islam Nuru said. He also offered some new details he hadn't disclosed previously. "She screamed 'water, water' in front of me. BSF allowed me to do nothing . My daughter was brutally killed hanging on barbed wire for five hours," said Nurul Islam. The protest rally titled 'Protest Against the Killings by BSF on the Bangladesh Border,' was organized by Dhaka University students in front of Raju sculpture on Tuesday at 4:30 pm. At the protest, Felani's father said, "I have gone for justice countless times. I have only been given assurances. The autocratic Sheikh Hasina had put so much pressure on us that we were never allowed to speak on this matter." Demanding justice from this interim government, he said, "A fair investigation should be conducted, and just as my daughter was hung on the barbed wire and killed, the killers should also be hung on the barbed wire for justice. No more killings should happen on the border. No mother should lose her child again. We will speak face to face with India. Everyone should stand up against Indian aggression." Road adjoining Indian High Commission in Dhaka named 'Shaheed Felani Road' During the event, several Dhaka University students also gave speeches. They demanded justice for Felani and all border killings, called for a fair relationship with India based on justice, and urged for the empowerment of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Tamhid Al Mudassir said, "Felani hung on the barbed wire for five hours. That day, it wasn’t just Felani who was hanging, but the sovereignty and dignity of the entire Bangladesh was hanging. Through the hanging of Felani, India portrayed Bangladesh as a failed state, that cannot ensure the safety of its citizens. Today, we stand not only for justice for Felani’s killing but also for the justice of all border killings and against Indian aggression." He added, "We have seen how the BDR massacre and the dissolution of the BDR created Indian aggression. After dissolving the BDR, the BGB was formed, which essentially stands as the border guard but lacks real authority. Their job is just to transport dead bodies across the border. Today, we are here demanding the empowerment of the BGB." He called for state recognition of the fight against Indian aggression for Abrar Fahad and Felani, stating, "This July revolution is not only for a new political settlement but also for a new foreign policy. Our foreign policy will be based on our dignity and sovereignty." He urged the government to establish a new foreign policy with India, based on a fair relationship. Other speakers included Sakhawat Zakaria, Coordinator Mahin Sarkar, Abdullah Arian, and Nafisa Islam, among others.

The graffiti of Sheikh Hasina on a metro rail pillar near Raju Sculpture on Dhaka University campus, which was partially painted over by workers, has been redrawn, and students have thrown shoes at it. On Sunday night (December 29), various student organizations of Dhaka University and the Anti-discrimination Student Movement redrew the graffiti. Today at 1 pm, students threw shoes at the image. The image of Sheikh Hasina had originally been drawn on the metro rail pillar during the Awami League’s tenure. After the government's fall due to the student uprising on August 5, the image was defaced and shoes were placed on it. The defaced image became a symbol of public anger and hatred. DU Proctor's Office apologizes for painting over Hasina’s defaced graffiti on metro rail pillar When the image was partially painted over on Saturday, following authorization from the university administration, students expressed outrage and demanded the resignation of the proctor. Later, on Sunday, the Dhaka University administration issued an apology in a press release, calling it an “unintentional mistake,” and reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the memories of the July uprising. Postgraduate doctors block Shahbagh again for raising allowance The graffiti of Sheikh Hasina was redrawn by Shimul Kumbhakar, vice president of the central committee of Bangladesh Chhatra Union; Mridha Rayan, a member of Chhatra Union at the Faculty of Fine Arts; and Momin Mukhtar Shobuj, former publicity secretary of Chhatra Federation.

Like the rest of the country, Dhaka University will observe Victory Day on Monday, (December 16), with various programmes. The University’s public relations office confirmed this on Sunday. The day’s activities will include the hoisting of the national flag at 6:20 AM at the Vice-Chancellor's office and other significant university buildings. At 6:30 AM, a gathering will take place at the "Smriti Chironton" adjacent to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, followed by a procession at 6:35 AM, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. University teachers, students, staff, and employees will proceed to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to lay a wreath. Chief Adviser unveils commemorative postage stamp on Victory Day Additionally, at 5:45 PM, a cultural programme will be held at the Teacher-Student Center (TSC) Auditorium, organized jointly by the university's Departments of Music, Dance, and Theatre & Performance Studies. The program will feature musical, dance, and theatrical performances. On this day, special prayers will be offered after the Zohar prayer at the central mosque of the university, Masjidul Jamia, as well as at various hall and residential area mosques, to pray for the forgiveness of the martyrs' souls and for the prosperity and progress of the country. Special prayers will also be held at other places of worship for the peace of the martyrs' souls. In addition, the university will illuminate key buildings such as the Arts Building, Curzon Hall, TSC and Smriti Chironton in honour of the day.