Following a 10-day-long protest by teachers, the government has announced a plan to gradually nationalize all independent Ebtedayee madrasas. Initially, 1,519 grant-supported madrasas will be included under the MPO scheme starting in 2025. The Ministry of Education has accepted the teachers’ six-point demands in principle and expressed regret over police actions during the protests. Teachers have suspended their movement until June 30, warning of further action if demands are not met. This decision marks significant progress for the Ebtedayee education sector.

Protesting students of the seven affiliated colleges have added five new demands, including publishing a university framework within 15 days and starting operations through a presidential ordinance within a month. They also demand ongoing exams to continue as scheduled and the inclusion of current students in the new university upon its launch. Additionally, they call for a discussion involving all stakeholders within two days to resolve the crisis. The students warned of announcing new programs if their six previously declared demands remain unfulfilled within 24 hours.

Education Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud revealed that a new independent university will be established for the seven colleges currently affiliated with Dhaka University, following years of complications. The process will take time, as creating a university involves constitutional work, teacher recruitment, legal and financial considerations, and state-level accreditation. The authorities have decided to admit students separately from the next session. Opinions from current students will be gathered to finalize the admission process for the 2024-25 academic year.

A deadly clash between Bangladeshi and Indian farmers occurred on January 26 at the Moulvibazar-Tripura border. The conflict, which began over a crop dispute, escalated into violence, leading to the death of a Bangladeshi farmer, Ahad Ali, from Kulaura. Despite two Indian farmers also being injured, the fatality was on the Bangladeshi side. The incident, linked to land disputes, has raised tensions and prompted complaints to both countries’ border forces.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed readiness to continue current cooperation with Bangladesh while exploring ways to enhance the partnership. She emphasized the possibility of a cooperation agreement to deepen ties. In a recent letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Ursula highlighted the EU’s interest in discussing specific needs with stakeholders and considering additional support that aligns with ongoing initiatives. The move aims to bolster the existing collaboration and explore new opportunities for mutual growth.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent New Year greetings to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government. On January 27, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mojumder confirmed the news, stating that Modi sent a signed card with a New Year message. Professor Yunus has been serving as Chief Adviser since August 8 last year, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government amid student protests on August 5. Modi’s gesture highlights diplomatic goodwill between the two nations.

Students of seven colleges have declared a siege on New Market Police Station if action isn’t taken against the police officers involved in recent attacks on students, including an alleged attempt to murder Dhaka College student Rakib. The announcement was made on Monday evening from Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar. They also demanded action against Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, within 24 hours. Students called for the withdrawal and investigation of all police officers linked to the incident.

Dhaka University has decided to end its affiliation with seven government colleges starting from the 2024-25 academic year. Admissions for these colleges will no longer be conducted under DU. The decision was made during a meeting between DU authorities and the college principals. A specialized committee formed by the Education Ministry will oversee academic matters, including seat allocation and fees. DU will remain responsible for the academic progress of current students. The move follows student protests demanding administrative independence for the seven colleges.

On January 27, transport workers blocked the road in front of the Mohakhali Bus Terminal in protest against a traffic sergeant’s assault on a driver and a case filed for obstructing traffic. The protest lasted for over an hour, causing significant traffic jams in the area. The workers moved after the intervention of the traffic and Tejgaon police, and normal traffic flow resumed. The police clarified that the case was filed for parking violations, not assault.

A Bangladeshi man named Ahad Ali was hacked to death by Indian nationals near the Kulaura border in Moulvibazar on Sunday, January 26. The attack occurred in the Murai Chhara area over a land dispute. Indian nationals crossed five yards into Bangladeshi territory and assaulted Ahad with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police have confirmed the incident, which has sparked concerns over cross-border disputes.

Students of Dhaka University-affiliated seven colleges have issued a six-point demand, including the resignation of Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed. They have given a four-hour deadline, threatening strict measures if unmet. Key demands include severing ties with Dhaka University, taking action against police brutality on Dhaka College students, and ensuring justice for misconduct against female students. The students also demand public access to Dhaka University roads. The ultimatum follows a violent clash between students of Dhaka University and the seven colleges at Nilkhet.

Summary: After a clash between Dhaka University students and those from seven affiliated government colleges, all exams scheduled for January 27 have been postponed, including the final exams of the seven colleges. The decision was announced by the Dhaka University Controller of Examinations following a request from Dhaka College’s principal. The clash occurred after a protest by students demanding changes in college issues, during which students from both sides chased each other. The seven colleges’ students also accused the DU Pro-Vice Chancellor of inappropriate behavior.

All classes and exams at Dhaka University were suspended on Monday (January 27) after violent clashes occurred between university students and those from seven affiliated colleges. The altercation began when Dhaka University students gathered to prevent a siege at the residence of the university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor. Running battles ensued, leaving eight injured. In response, four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed with police assistance to restore order in the area.

Legal advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized that no distance or misunderstanding should exist between BNP and student leaders or the forces of mass uprising. He stressed that such misunderstandings could embolden Awami League’s genocidal leaders. Nazrul denied rumors regarding the fleeing of student leaders and Dr. Yunus. He affirmed BNP’s commitment to democratic processes, urged unity to counter Awami League’s influence, and emphasized the importance of the July uprising’s sacrifices in the fight for justice.

Donald Trump, after beginning his second term as U.S. president, has yet to undertake a state visit. Traditionally, the first state visit for a U.S. president is to the U.K., but Trump may break tradition and visit Saudi Arabia first, as he did during his first term. During a conversation aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at this possibility, citing Saudi Arabia’s agreement to purchase billions of dollars in U.S. goods. Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in investing $60 billion in the U.S. during Trump’s second term.