Govt moves ahead to form 'Dhaka Central University' with 7 colleges

The government has taken a policy decision to establish a new public university—Dhaka Central University—by separating the seven government colleges currently affiliated with Dhaka University, according to a press release issued yesterday by the Education Ministry.

The ministry said the initiative follows years of demands for improved academic management, timely examinations and results, and better coordination across the capital's major public colleges. The move aims to streamline higher education and address long-standing challenges faced by students.

To advance the process, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has drafted the Dhaka Central University Ordinance 2025 and submitted it to the Secondary and Higher Education Division. The draft was published on the division's website on 24 September, inviting public opinion. 

Over 5,000 responses were submitted, followed by online consultations, in-person discussions, and three formal meetings with teachers, students, academics, and civil society representatives. Relevant ministries and departments were also consulted.

Officials said the large volume of feedback is now being reviewed to refine the draft, and finalising the ordinance will take more time. The ministry stressed that academic activities will continue uninterrupted during the transition. An interim administrator has already been appointed to manage the seven colleges until the university is formally established.

On 11 November, representatives from the interim administration, the seven college principals, Dhaka University, the National University, and the UGC met to determine procedures for the 2024–25 academic year. The operation manual for the interim administration has been approved, and admission activities for the current academic year have been completed. Classes are set to begin on 23 November.

The press release noted that the final ordinance must address several complex issues, including safeguarding existing job positions for teachers and staff, maintaining the identity of each college, managing assets, and arranging interim measures for higher secondary sections. Officials said the process may take time, but it will ensure a widely acceptable and legally sound outcome.

The ministry described the establishment of Dhaka Central University as a significant step toward improving the country's higher education landscape. It urged all parties to avoid confusion or rumours based on incomplete information and to act responsibly during the transition. Ensuring that students' academic lives continue without disruption remains the ministry's top priority.

The government first announced plans to create the new university on 26 March, following a UGC proposal. The seven colleges involved are: Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women's College, Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Mirpur Bangla College, and Government Titumir College.