United News of Bangladesh

People from all walks of life paid their last tribute to eminent writer, essayist, and Emeritus Professor of the English Department at Dhaka University Syed Manzoorul Islam at Aparajeyo Bangla of Dhaka University and the Central Shaheed Minar on Saturday. The body of Manzoorul Islam was taken to Aparajeyo Bangla of Dhaka University at around 10:30 am and then it was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar for people of all walks of life to pay their last respects. At Aparajeyo Bangla, Chairperson of English Department Professor Dr. Tazin Aziz Chaudhury, former and current students of the English Department, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof D. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, and teachers and students of various departments, among others, paid tributes by placing wreaths on his coffin. Former Industries Minister Nurul Majid no more His namaz-e-janaza will be held at Dhaka University Central Mosque after Zohr prayers and then he will be buried at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard in Mirpur. Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam passed away on Friday afternoon. He was 74. Prof Manzoorul Islam breathed his last at 5:00 pm while undergoing treatment at LabAid Hospital in the capital. Last Friday, Professor Islam had suffered a massive heart attack while on his way to the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).  

The 153rd birth anniversary of Nawab Sir Salimullah was celebrated today with grand arrangements at the historic Salimullah Muslim Hall of the University of Dhaka. Although Salimullah’s birth date is June 7, due to the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, it was decided to observe the event on June 24. It is known that during the previous Awami League government, Nawab Salimullah was never officially commemorated. Many say that both the past government and the university administration tried to obscure the contribution of this Muslim ruler to the founding of Dhaka University. Dhaka University unveils budget for FY 2025-26 On the occasion of the day, various programs began in the morning. A colorful rally was brought out from the Salimullah Muslim Hall premises, which paraded around the campus. The rally was led by the honorable Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. Participating with him in the rally were Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, and Hall Provost Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun. In the evening, following the rally, a discussion meeting and closing ceremony were held in the hall premises. The discussion was presided over by the Provost of Salimullah Muslim Hall, Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun. The chief guest at the event was Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. Highlighting Nawab Salimullah’s historical contribution, he said, “Nawab Salimullah’s contribution behind the founding of Dhaka University is undeniable. This university is a realization of his dream and efforts.” “Acknowledging someone’s contribution is very important. Even though the previous administration tried to conceal his role, we are expressing our gratitude to him”, he added. Treasurer Professor M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, “If Nawab Salimullah would not take the initiative to establish Dhaka University, perhaps today’s Bangladesh would not have achieved independence. His contribution is eternally memorable in the nation’s history. Just as he was a guide for the awakening of the Bengalis, he was also an honorable figure among Muslim rulers, like Khalifa Harunur Rashid.” Special remarks were given by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, and author and researcher Professor Dr. Md. Alamgir. Other guests present included members of the Nawab family, convenor of the Dhaka University Alumni Association Shamsuzzaman Dudu, member-secretary A. T. M. Abdul Bari Danny, and Vice Presidents of the Salimullah Hall Alumni Association Nasir Uddin Mahmud and Abul Kashem Chowdhury. Throughout the day, essay and quiz competitions were held in which students participated by focusing on the life and contributions of Nawab Salimullah. At the end of the event, a dinner was arranged with the participation of guests, teachers, students, and alumni.

Two students of Dhaka University (DU) have been assaulted for protesting eve-teasing at 'Jasmin Fabrics' shop at the city's Chandni Chowk market. The incident occurred at around 9:30 pm on Monday, according to witnesses and the victims. Shahedul Islam and Ayazur Rahman, student of 2023–24 session, were injured seriously, doctors at Dhaka University Medical Center, where they were admitted, said Tuesday. Victim Farhan, a student of the Philosophy Department said, “I, Ayaz, and Masrat Apu, a student of the Social Welfare Department, went to that shop to buy clothes. While bargaining, when we refused to pay the price demanded by the shopkeeper. They made obscene comments directed at Masrat apu. We protested such eve-teasing.”  DU committee submits probe report on Shammo murder "Following this incident, the situation escalated. The shop manager and nearby shopkeepers together started shouting 'thief' and attacked us, he added" Shahedul and Ayazur were seriously injured. Later, they were taken to the university medical center for treatment. Victim Shahedul filed a case at New Market Police Station at night. Shopkeepers could not be contacted for comments about the allegations. New Market Police Station Officer-in-Charge AKM Mahfuzul Haque said, “Already a person named Milon has been arrested. Based on preliminary questioning, a list of four individuals has been made.”  First class graduates from American University of Baghdad, once Saddam's palace The entire area is under CCTV surveillance. “The other accused will be arrested soon after analyzing the video,” he added.

A group of students under the banner of ‘General Students of Bangladesh’ on Friday besieged Shahbagh police station demanding justice for Dhaka University student Shammo who was murdered at Suhrawardy Udyan last week. The protesters marched and surrounded the police station at around 11:30am. Earlier, they gathered in front of the university’s Institute of Education and Research, marched to the Raju sculpture, and then proceeded toward Shahbagh police station. Participating in the march, the students chanted slogans demanding justice for Shahriar Alam Shammo, and ensuring  safety of the campus. They said that those involved in the murder must be arrested quickly and a safe campus must be ensured. During the siege, a delegation from the protesters entered the police station for discussion. DU students hold torch procession to protest Shammo's death The delegation included Institute of Education and Research teachers Dr. Muhammad Abdus Salam, Dr. Asim Das, Dr. Sirajul Islam, and four students.  Ibrahim Munshi, one of the protesters, said, “This is a non-partisan movement. Different political parties are trying to use Shammo’s death for their own interests. But our only demand is to ensure justice for Shammo.” He further said, “Even after 72 hours, the main accused has not been arrested. We have come peacefully with a just demand. If the culprits are not arrested within 48 hours, another siege programme will be called.” Shammo, a student of the 2018–19 session at the Institute of Education and Research and literary and publication secretary of JCD’s AF Rahman Hall unit, was stabbed inside Suhrawardy Udyan on Tuesday night. He was declared dead after being taken to hospital. Early Wednesday, police detained three youths from the Green Road and Rajabazar areas in connection with the murder. They have been in jail since the detention.    

A Dhaka University student reportedly committed suicide inside at a residential apartment in the Hatirpool area under Kalabagan police station in the city on Monday evening. The deceased was identified as Pinak Ranjan Sarker, 24, a master's student of the Drawing and Painting Department at Dhaka University. Sub-Inspector (SI) Md Iqbal Hossain of Kalabagan Police Station confirmed the incident saying the the body of Pinak was recovered the body from a ninth-floor apartment at 187/5 School Street, Hatirpool, after breaking down the door on Monday night. The body was found hanging from a ceiling fan hook with a piece of towel inside a room, he said. The body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) morgue for autopsy. Interpol issues red notice against former IGP Benazir Primary investigation suggests that he died by suicide, but the exact cause will be determined after getting the autopsy report,” said SI Iqbal on Tuesday. Talking to reporters at the DMCH, Pinak’s roommate Zahid Hasan said he returned home in the evening and found the room locked from inside with no response from Pinak. He then informed police through the national emergency helpline 999. Police arrived and broke open the door to find the body. Zahid mentioned that Pinak had been showing signs of depression for the past month, often remaining quiet, though he never shared specific concerns. Hailed from Mymensingh Sadar upazila, Pinak was the son of Prithish Ranjan Sarker. He was the eldest among two brothers and a sister and had been residing in the rented apartment in Hatirpool.

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.