United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka University on Tuesday unveiled a budget of Tk 1,035 crore 45 lakh for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The University Grants Commission (UGC) will provide Tk 883 crore 4 lakh, while Tk 90 crore will come from the university's own income, leaving a deficit of Tk62 crore 41 lakh. DU Treasurer Prof. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury explained various aspects of the budget at a press conference. Earlier, on June 16, the budget was approved in the university’s syndicate meeting. In the 2025–26 fiscal year, Tk 293 crore 50 lakh (28.34%) of the total budget has been allocated for salaries; Tk 285 crore 98 lakh (27.62%) for goods and services; Tk 215 crore 91 lakh 43 thousand (20.84%) for various allowances; and Tk139 crore 86 lakh 50 thousand (13.41%) for pensions. Bulk of social assistance to be distributed through digital cash transfer under FY26 budget Meanwhile, in the 2024–25 fiscal year, Tk 20 crore 7 lakh was allocated for research. This time, it has been slightly increased to Tk 21 crore 57 lakh, which is only 2.8% of the total budget. Regarding the research budget, the treasurer said, "Dhaka University does not have freedom in budget formulation. A fixed amount is allocated from the University Grants Commission, and we cannot go beyond that." "A discussion was held before with the chief adviser regarding the research sector. He told us to submit this as a proposal," he said. Usually, after the syndicate meeting approves the budget, it is finally passed in the university's annual senate session. However, this time there has been an exception in holding the senate session.

East West University (EWU) welcomed around 2,200 newly admitted students through its comprehensive Orientation Program for the Summer Semester 2025 on Wednesday at its campus in the capital’s Aftabnagar. Each academic department organised separate orientation sessions tailored to their respective fields. These departmental programmes provided detailed information about academic guidelines, course structure, faculty introductions, university rules and regulations, and support services. Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, EWU, and Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Professor Dr Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of EWU; Professor Dr Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, Pro-Vice Chancellor; and Air Cdre (Retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Chowdhury, Treasurer of EWU, joined the orientation ceremony. Also in attendance were Deans of the Faculties, Chairpersons, faculty members, and administrative officials. Govt to formulate concrete action plan to protect Sundarbans: Rizwana The speakers at the event advised the newly admitted students to focus on becoming skilled human resources in this era of advanced artificial intelligence. They also urged the students to stand by the country and its people during times of crisis. Adding vibrancy to the day, the Department of Student Welfare of EWU organised a colourful Club Fair to showcase 22 student-run clubs. Each club set up stalls to display their activities and initiatives, encouraging freshers to participate in co-curricular engagements alongside their academic journey. East West University was launched in 1996 with 6 faculty members and 20 students on its previous campus.  Currently, there are over 434 faculty members and more than 10,500 students.

Dhaka University has appointed Professor Mohammad Zashim Uddin of the Department of Botanyas the Chief Returning Officer for the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election. The appointment was made under Section 8(F) of the DUCSU constitution by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan and was approved during the university's syndicate meeting on Monday, according to a press release issued by the DU public relations office. In addition, nine other returning officers have been appointed to assist the Chief Returning Officer in overseeing the electoral process. They are Prof. ASM Mohiuddin of the Soil, Water, and Environment Department; Prof. Golam Rabbani of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research; Prof. Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq of the Department of Information Science and Library Management; Prof. Kazi Maruful Islam of Development Studies; Prof. Nasrin Sultana of the Institute of Health Economics; Prof. Md Shahidul Islam Zahid of Banking and Insurance; Prof. Tariq Manzoor of Bangla; Prof. SM Shameem Reza of Mass Communication and Journalism; and Associate Prof. Sharmin Kabir of the Institute of Education and Research. These returning officers will determine the next steps for conducting the election in consultation with the Vice-Chancellor and will oversee the process moving forward. Earlier, the DUCSU election was overseen by a six-member election commission, but this time, the number of members has been increased to a maximum of ten to ensure greater transparency, acceptability, and overall support for the electoral process.

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia are set to introduce two new departments under the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies from the upcoming 2025–26 academic session. The two new departments are Comparative Tafsir and As-Sirah An-Nabawiyyah. The decision was initially approved during the university’s 130th academic council meeting held on the campus in Kushtia. It was later ratified in the Syndicate meeting on May 31. Ex-JUST VC lands in jail Professor Dr. ABM Siddiqur Rahman Ashrafi, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, said that the introduction of the two departments aligns with current academic and social demands. "We expect to commence activities under both departments in the 2025–26 academic year." Necessary preparations are already underway to ensure a smooth launch of academic programs and infrastructure to support the new departments, he added.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday proposed to allocate Tk 110,657 crore for education and technology sector in the national budget for FY 2025-26, which is almost the same as in the outgoing fiscal year. The allocation for this sector was Tk 111,158 crore in the national budget for FY 2024-25 passed in June 2024. The finance advisor on Monday afternoon unveiled the national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year through the state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. The allocation for the education and technology sector is 14 percent of the national budget for the FY 2025-26. Tk 2,956 crore allocated for Election Commission in proposed budget Out of Tk Tk 110,657 crore, Tk 35,403 crore was allocated for the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Tk 47,563 crore for the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Tk 12,869 crore for the Science and Technology Ministry, Tk 2,144 crore for ICT Division, and Tk 12,678 for Technical and Madrasa Education Division. The Finance Adviser in his budget speech said there is no alternative to science, technology or technical education to build a strong economic structure. “This year’s budget has given special priority to creating the environment for a science-based, technology-driven and employment-oriented education,” he said.

The online General Diary (GD) service has officially been launched across all police stations under the Sylhet Range, marking another step in Bangladesh Police’s ongoing efforts to simplify and digitalise public services. Implemented on Sunday following directives from the chief adviser, the initiative allows citizens to file all types of GDs from home, eliminating the need to physically visit a police station. According to a media release from the Police Headquarters, the online GD service is already in operation under Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Chattogram Metropolitan Police and all police stations within the Chattogram Range. Earlier, only GDs related to the loss or recovery of items could be submitted online. With the latest rollout, residents of all districts within the Sylhet Range can now file any category of GD online. Online GD service to be launched in Ctg The service is expected to be introduced in other ranges and metropolitan areas in phases, the media release added. To use the service, users must download the ‘Online GD’ app from the Google Play Store and complete a one-time registration. For any issues during registration or submission, citizens can contact the 24/7 hotline at 01320001428 for support. Bangladesh Police remains committed to delivering prompt and accessible services to the doorsteps of citizens.

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has announced a 21-day break in celebration of Eid-ul-Azha and the summer vacation. According to an official notification issued by the university's registrar on Sunday, all classes will remain suspended from May 25 to June 12. The vacation period will be extended by two days due to Fridays and Saturdays on June 13 and 14. However, university offices will remain open from May 25 to 27. The university community and students are advised to plan accordingly for the upcoming holiday break.

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.