The year 2025 was one of the most turbulent in Gono Bishwabidyalay's history, marked by sharply contrasting realities. Student successes on international platforms carried the university's name abroad, while the campus faced administrative failures, insecurity, corruption, violence anf sexual crimes. Gono Bishwabidyalay emerged as more than an academic institution. It became a hub of protest, questioning voices and demands for reform.
Cultural traditions mark the beginning
The year began with the sixth edition of the traditional Pitha Festival in January. Organised by general students, 27 stalls were set up across the central playground, showcasing rural Bengali delicacies and folk culture. Folk songs, dances, satirical debates, and cultural performances kept the campus vibrant throughout the day.
Convocation after 11 years
After nearly 11 years, Gono Bishwabidyalay held its fourth convocation in 2025. Presided over by Social Welfare Adviser Sharmeen S Murshid, the ceremony conferred undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The programme began with a tribute to the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising, bringing an end to a long wait for thousands of graduates.
First Saraswati Puja at main campus
On February 3, Saraswati Puja was celebrated at the main campus for the first time. Organised by the Sanatani group Bani Archana, the daylong event saw participation from teachers, students, and staff, signalling a message of religious coexistence and cultural inclusivity.
Badamtala protests over corruption
On August 6, students surrounded the administrative building protesting alleged embezzlement of bus repair funds and the harassment of an administrative official. Allegations included the misappropriation of Tk 40,000 and a previously reported theft of Tk 7.1 million. Students placed six demands before the administration, and amid rising tensions, the vice chancellor pledged to publish an investigation report within seven days.
March of humanity and spirituality
On March 6, the Career Development Club organised an iftar programme honouring students injured during the July Mass Uprising. On March 20, Quran recitation and Hamd-Naat competitions were held for the first time, drawing wide participation. On March 23, GB Blood Collector distributed iftar among madrasa students and street children.
GBCSU election after seven years
After a seven-year hiatus, Gono Bishwabidyalay became the only private university in 2025 to hold its fourth central students' union election. The GBCSU election was conducted peacefully with significant student participation. Yasin Al Mridul Dewan of the Bangla Department was elected vice president, while Md Rayhan Khan of the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences became general secretary. The election was widely regarded as a major institutional milestone.
Health hazards exposed in canteen raid
On October 22, a surprise raid led by GBCSU at the main canteen revealed rats in food baskets, rotten meat in refrigerators, and unhygienic cooking conditions. The findings highlighted long-standing neglect of student health and food safety.
First Lalon memorial festival
On October 21, GBCSU organised the university's first Lalon Memorial Festival at the transport premises, marking the 135th death anniversary of Lalon Sai and offering a moment of reflection amid an otherwise volatile campus environment.
Health awareness initiatives
In 2025, the Gono Bishwabidyalay Health Club administered free rabies vaccines to more than 100 cats and dogs on World Rabies Day. Workshops on menstrual health, sick room facilities, and napkin vending machines contributed to increased awareness of women students' health rights.
Learning beyond classrooms
Veterinary students visited Bengal Meat and New Hope Feed Mill, pharmacy students toured Ibn Sina Pharmaceutical, and law students visited the Narayanganj District and Sessions Judge Court, strengthening the link between academic learning and practical exposure.
Spirit of the July Mass Uprising
On November 24, GBCSU along with general students organised a symbolic hanging of deposed autocrat Sheikh Hasina following a verdict by the International Tribunal, reaffirming calls for a fascism-free Bangladesh.
International exposure and academic achievements
Six veterinary intern doctors participated in internship programmes at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Medical Physics students Rakib Hossain and Md Abdullah were selected for an international biomedical symposium in Sapporo, Japan. Faculty member Mokhlesur Rahman received a prestigious fellowship.
Sporting achievements
Student Nafiz Fuad represented Bangladesh as goalkeeper in the Commonwealth Beach Handball Championship in the Maldives. Gubi students Rupali Akter, Lucky Akter, and Meyebi Chakma helped the Bangladesh women's kabaddi team secure a bronze medal at the Sixth Asian Kabaddi Championship.
Recognition in journalism and research
Eva Akter, general secretary of the Gono Bishwabidyalay Journalists' Association, participated in the Media Reform Commission formed by the interim government, a development seen as recognition of campus journalism. Biochemistry students received scholarships in New Zealand and research positions at ICDDRB. Professor Abul Mansur Muhammad Abu Musa received the Mother Language Award, while Dr Rozina Parul and Dr Sajibul Hasan earned PhD degrees. Alumnus Md Alinur Islam won the Desh Manuscript Award 2024.
From ragging to rape
November and December marked the darkest phase of the year. Law student Sher Ali faced ragging followed by incidents of gang rape and blackmail. Accusing the administration of negligence, students launched protests, locked administrative buildings, and demanded resignations. Ultimately, five students were permanently expelled, five were suspended for one semester and twelve were fined.
Clashes and administrative unrest
On December 7, former GBCSU vice president candidate Md Nasim was attacked twice, first near the administrative building and later near the university hospital emergency department. Allegations linked the attacks to disputes over teacher resignations, triggering further tensions and counter allegations.
Faculty disputes and trust deficit
Allegations of sexual harassment and protection of offenders against a law department teacher exposed serious fractures in student-teacher relations. Despite investigations, suspensions, and press briefings, student confidence in the administration remained fragile.
Protests over Sohan's murder
On December 9, students formed human chains reaching the Dhaka-Aricha highway demanding justice for the murder of pharmacy student Nafiul Karim Sohan, an incident that deepened campus-wide grief and anger.
A year shadowed by loss
In 2025, the deaths of Professor Altafunnesa Maya, Abdur Rauf, Enayet E Mawla Jinnah, Mohammad Akhtar Ul Alam, Nafiul Karim Sohan, and Tirthajit Roy cast a long shadow of mourning over the university.
Resilience in sports
Despite ongoing turmoil, the GB football team finished runners up in the Ispahani Prothom Alo Football Tournament. Rafael Tudu's recognition as best player became a symbol of resilience.
Written by: Eva Akter, Student and Journalist Gono Bishwabidyalay
FP/MI
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