United News of Bangladesh

Effigies of several individuals were burned at Dhaka University on Thursday in protest against the government’s move to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chittagong Port to foreign entities, branding them as “economic hitmen.” The demonstration was held in the afternoon at the Raju Sculpture under the banner of “Aggrieved Student Community (Sangkhubdo Shikkarti Samaj).” Effigies of Shipping Ministry Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, and Chattogram Port Authority Chairman S M Moniruzzaman were set ablaze during the programme. The protesters said the government must withdraw from any initiative to hand over control of Chattogram Port, described as a key pillar of Bangladesh’s national security, to foreign hands. Mohiuddin Rahat, a 2019–20 session student of the Department of Criminology at Dhaka University, said the government is making excessive efforts just ahead of the election to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal to DP World. “It appears as if the government believes its entire mission and vision will fail if it cannot hand over this port,” he said. NCP officially launches election campaign from Dhaka University He further alleged that four individuals within the Bangladesh government are attempting to lease the New Mooring Terminal to DP World in exchange for commissions from foreign companies, and that they have been lobbying extensively to hand over Chattogram Port to DP World.    

Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, on Tuesday said the book of the July Charter presented to the public may be printed in black and white, but every single word of it has been written with the blood of the country’s people. He made the remarks at an interactive meeting titled ‘Public Awareness Campaign on Referendum in Public and Private Universities’ held at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium of Dhaka University. Referring to the sacrifices of the July martyrs and injured, Ali Riaz said they did not seek to become prime minister or president; they wanted a dignified state. The July Charter, he said, is the recognition of that debt. “Do we have no responsibility? Will we deny the debt that allows us to speak here today?” he asked, adding that acknowledging this debt is precisely what the July Charter represents. He said the charter was prepared through discussions with political parties, civil society, various organisations, groups, and individuals. “When I open the book of the July Charter, I hear the cries of mothers who lost their children.” Ali Riaz also discussed the context behind the abolition of the caretaker government system. He said the July Charter includes safeguards to ensure that ‘one-person rule’ never returns to Bangladesh. “Everyone knows that the farce carried out in the name of three so-called elections in Bangladesh happened at the will of one individual. That became possible through the abolition of the caretaker government system.” Referring to the 2014 Election Commission, he said, “The President staged another drama.” He claimed that the name Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad was not on the search committee’s list, yet he was appointed Chief Election Commissioner at the Prime Minister’s behest, leading to a rigged election in 2014. “No conscientious person with democratic aspirations can say that such a situation should continue.” He said that through extensive dialogue, political parties have agreed in the July National Charter that future Election Commissions will be formed based on consultations among representatives of the ruling party, the main opposition party and the third party-the second-largest opposition party- in parliament. Ali Riaz highlighted the role of the Public Service Commission during the previous regime and said that if the July Charter is implemented, the President will no longer hold unilateral authority to grant pardons. He said the Constitution allows the ‘right to life’ to be violated during a state of emergency, but political parties have agreed that future emergencies will drop the term ‘internal disturbance’ and require cabinet approval with opposition representation. Mentioning past instances of constitutional amendments made for the benefit of a single individual, he said that any future constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds majority in the parliament, followed by the support of at least 51 members of a 100-member upper house. He also spoke about reforms related to the presidential election and changes to Article 70. “The situation created by forcing public representatives into party servitude has meant that our parliament has not even become a debating club,” he said. Awami League must face trial, seek apology before returning to politics: Ali Riaz Ali Riaz said all political parties have agreed that out of the standing committees of the parliament, four key committees will be chaired by members from the opposition. He urged all to work in support of the July Charter. Those present included the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar, University Grants Commission Chairman Dr SMA Fayez, DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Sayma Haque Bidisha, individuals injured in July, and vice-chancellors, teachers, students and officials from various universities.

Dhaka University (DU) has formally inaugurated activities under its large-scale development project with an estimated cost of Tk 28.41 billion, alongside several other development initiatives. The inauguration ceremony was held on Saturday at the auditorium of the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building on the university campus. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan attended the event as the chief guest and officially launched the project activities. The development projects include the construction of a 21-storey academic building for the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, residential buildings for third-class employees, a 15-storey IT hub, nine halls (four for male students and five for female students), six academic buildings, a central mosque, DUCSU building, medical centre, administrative building, gymnasium and playground development, renovation and beautification of water bodies, road network development, and the construction of public toilets. Read More: NCP officially launches election campaign from Dhaka University During the event, the Vice-Chancellor also briefed journalists on 41 major activities and achievements of the university administration carried out between August 2024 and January 2026. The programme was presided over by DU Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Among others present at the event were Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Admin) Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, deans of all faculties, provosts of all residential halls, and leaders of DUCSU and hall unions. Mohammad Jabed Alam Mridha, Acting Director of the Planning and Development Office, presented an overview of the ongoing and proposed development project activities. Read More: Dhaka University to begin online classes from tomorrow

The National Citizen Party (NCP) officially kicked off its election campaign on Thursday afternoon by paying respect at the graves of the Three National Leaders, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Khawaja Nazimuddin, and Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Huq, located near Doel Chattar of Dhaka University. Following this, party leaders visited the graves of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and Osman Hadi, situated adjacent to the Dhaka University Central Mosque. The event was attended by the NCP Convener Nahid Islam, as well as Nasir Uddin Patwari, a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Speaking at the venue, Nahid Islam noted that Dhaka University was the starting point for the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the mass uprising of 2024. Consequently, the NCP chose this historic site to begin its electoral journey. Ameer-e-Jamaat launches campaign for Dhaka-15 in Mirpur "We want the election to be held on February 12 at any cost," Nahid Islam stated. "Our sole agenda now is to win that election and represent the people in Parliament." He further alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is failing to maintain neutrality under the current government’s influence. "We have repeatedly pointed out that the Commission is not acting impartially. They are granting special privileges to a particular party. While that party has been campaigning for several days despite it being against the rules, the EC served us a show-cause notice for campaigning in favor of a referendum. We demand true neutrality, yet we are determined to move forward regardless of these obstacles." Nahid Islam emphasized that the NCP remains as steadfast regarding elections and referendums as it has been regarding reforms and justice. "We will do whatever is necessary to ensure a fair election on February 12. We expect the 10-party electoral alliance to win by a landslide and form the government," he added. He asserted that the general public is with them and that there is no alternative to a victory for the 10-party alliance to carry forward the spirit of the July uprising and the momentum of national reform. Urging the nation to support the alliance, he said, "We have 30 candidates across the country. I call upon the people to elect them under the 'Shaplakoli' symbol. In Parliament, the NCP and the 10-party alliance will be the voice of the common people, the mass uprising, national reform, and our country's sovereignty."

Wagging tails, curious whiskers and smiling faces filled the Dhaka University Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) on Tuesday afternoon (January 20, 2026) as the campus hosted its first-ever Pet Carnival, turning the iconic spot into a lively celebration of companion animals. Organised by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the colourful event brought together pet lovers and their furry friends for an afternoon of fun, learning and awareness. Read more: US colleges welcome pets in dorms to ease students’ stress

The Dhaka University (DU) authorities have filed a case against those responsible for attacking DU students at New Market Police Station on Thursday at the Science Lab intersection. The case was lodged on the night of January 15, according to a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office. The press release stated that Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan immediately spoke with the Home Affairs Adviser to ensure the safety of university students. He has also been maintaining communication with the Education Adviser and other senior government officials regarding the matter. Additionally, the university authorities have formally sent a letter to the Home Secretary seeking to ensure the security of student transportation. The release further mentioned that students of the proposed Central University blocked the Science Lab area on the afternoon of January 15. When a bus carrying Dhaka University students was heading toward the campus, the protesters obstructed it. Upon receiving the information, members of the DU Proctorial Body and the Transport Manager rushed to the spot and managed to escort the bus away. During this time, the protesters attacked the DU students, leaving several of them injured. Referendum: DUCSU announces month-long programme to secure victory for ‘Yes’ In protest against the incident, Dhaka University students staged a sit-in at the Nilkhet area on the evening of January 15. The Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, the Treasurer, the Proctor, the Provost of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, the Director of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, senior faculty members, assistant proctors, DUCSU leaders, and leaders of the Zahurul Haq Hall unit spoke with the students and expressed solidarity with them. The press release also noted that the administrator of Central University has expressed regret to the Dhaka University authorities over the incident.

A bus of Dhaka University was vandalised at the Science Lab intersection in the capital on Thursday during a blockade enforced by students of seven government colleges, leaving at least two students injured. The incident occurred around 2:30 pm (January 15, 2026) when a Dhaka University bus was halted due to the blockade, said witnesses. Read More: Affiliation of 7 colleges with Dhaka University officially terminated They said an argument broke out between students travelling on the bus and the protesting students of the seven colleges. When members of the university’s proctorial team arrived and were escorting the bus away from the area, bricks were thrown from behind, shattering the bus windows and damaging its exterior.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a month-long programme comprising 15 events across the country to ensure the victory of the ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming national referendum. The initiatives aim to increase public awareness and participation in the referendum under the pro-reforms slogan, “Vote ‘Yes’, Choose a Safe Bangladesh.” The programmes were announced on Wednesday at a press conference held in front of the DUCSU building. DUCSU Vice President (VP) Shadik Kayem outlined the month-long plan at the briefing. According to the press conference, the 15 initiatives to build public support in favour of ‘Yes’ include nationwide door-to-door outreach, online campaigns, exhibition debates, seminars on state reforms, exchange meetings with civil society members and journalists, discussions with online activists, a discussion titled “Thoughts of the July Injured,” publication of songs, poems and documentaries, speech competitions, street plays and mime performances, dialogue with student and social organisations, and visits to educational institutions across the country to unite students. In his written statement, Shadik Kayem said the core spirit of the July mass uprising was the reform of the existing state structure and the establishment of a discrimination-free society. He described the referendum as a historic pathway to implementing those reforms, adding that participating in the referendum and casting a ‘Yes’ vote is a responsibility to uphold the sacred legacy of the blood of the July martyrs. Hadi shooting: DUCSU leaders march to Home Adviser’s office He said a ‘Yes’ vote would pave the way for reforms such as limiting any individual from serving as prime minister for more than two terms, ensuring transparency in public sector recruitment, enabling public participation in major constitutional changes, increasing women’s representation, safeguarding the legitimate rights of people of all religions and ideologies, and recognising internet access as a fundamental right. At the same time, it would help end the culture of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, secret detention centres, and other human rights violations. At the press conference, DUCSU called upon all anti-fascist political parties including BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, along with student organisations, professional bodies, civil society members, and the wider student community and general public to unite and create a nationwide groundswell in favour of the ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum.

Professor Md. Ataur Rahman Biswas, chairperson of the Islamic History and Culture (IHC) department at Dhaka University and convener of the University Teachers’ Link (UTL), passed away early Wednesday morning. He was 61. He died in his sleep while staying at Karamjal Tourist Centre in the Sundarbans, said his family. University sources said Professor Ataur Rahman had been at the centre to attend a workshop organised by the Faculty of Arts of Dhaka University. He is survived by his wife, a son, a daughter, relatives, and a large number of students and well-wishers. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan expressed deep sorrow over the death. In a condolence message, he said Professor Ataur Rahman made remarkable contributions to education and research and played key roles in academic and administrative initiatives including addressing several recent crises faced by the university. The Vice-Chancellor prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Dhaka University student dies after brain stroke

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has left Gulshan residence to visit the grave of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The information was shared shortly after 10:45am on Saturday through a post on BNP’s verified Facebook page. After offering prayers, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit the Election Commission office to complete National Identity Card (NID) registration and enlist himself as a voter. Inqilab Moncho shifts blockade from Shahbagh ahead of Tarique’s visit He will later go to  his father-in-law’s house in Dhanmondi. From Dhanmondi, he will go to Evercare hospital to visit his ailing mother. He was supposed to visit National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured during the July 2024 mass uprising, but the programme was cancelled. In a separate Facebook post, BNP’s media cell said Tarique Rahman will not visit Pangu Hospital as there are no injured persons from the July mass uprising receiving treatment there. Tarique Rahman returned to the country on Thursday after 17 years in exile in London. Read more: Tarique arrives at EC’s NID wing to register as voter