From seven colleges to one university: Will it solve the complications?
Highlights
- Govt plans to merge 7 Dhaka colleges into Dhaka Central University.
- Admission caps of 40 per department may block thousands from higher education.
- Eden Mohila students fear threats to women's education and hostel security.
- 1,400+ BCS cadre teachers and staff worry about job security under new rules.
- Students fear loss of heritage and confusion over split certification.
The government's draft plan to merge Dhaka's seven colleges into a single institution, Dhaka Central University, has sparked concerns, with teachers, students, and experts warning that the hybrid model – though appealing on paper – could limit access to higher education and female enrollment, erode college identities, and jeopardise both faculty careers and student curricula.
On 24 September, the education ministry issued a draft ordinance for the Dhaka Central University and sought reviews from the stakeholders and experts.
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The draft outlines that the seven colleges will be grouped into four schools. The School of Science will consist of Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, and Begum Badrunnessa Govt Girls' College campuses; the School of Arts and Humanities will be at Govt Bangla College; the School of Business at Govt Titumir College; and the School of Law and Justice will include Kabi Nazrul Govt College and Govt Shaheed Suhrawardy College campuses.
Students will study general non-major courses for the first four semesters, followed by discipline-based courses for the next four. The main campus of the proposed university will be located in a convenient area for all students, and classes will be held from 1pm to 7pm.
Prof Tanzimuddin Khan, a member of the UGC and the committee that drafted the proposal, told TBS, "Our responsibility was only to prepare the draft; the final decision rests entirely with the education ministry. These colleges are primarily intermediate institutions, where the introduction of honours programmes raised questions about their identity and heritage. However, the draft makes it clear that intermediate education will continue under the existing education board.
"Faculty qualifications for recruitment are not included in the draft – those decisions will be made by the proposed university authorities. It is now up to stakeholders and the ministry to review and decide."
The ministry has announced that experts and stakeholders can submit feedback on the draft by 2 October.
Education researcher Mohammad Mojibur Rahman said, "From being under Dhaka University to the National University, and now moving to a new university, each transition has created crises due to a lack of clear policy and vision. Instead of merging the seven colleges into a single university, it would be more logical to preserve each college's unique heritage and gradually transform them into separate universities."
The seven colleges were previously under the National University. On 17 February 2017, they were brought under Dhaka University's affiliation. However, post-affiliation challenges led to student protests over various issues. Over the years, minor problems escalated, and in January 2025, university authorities announced that the colleges would again be separated from Dhaka University. On 14 August 2025, the separation was officially completed.
Admission caps threaten higher education
According to the draft, a maximum of 40 students per department will be allowed. Previously, some colleges admitted 200–250 students per department, and this sudden restriction could push thousands of students out of higher education.
Kazi Hafsa Mehezabin, a student at Eden Mohila College, said, "Due to this seat reduction, opportunities for students from the northern and remote areas will be further limited. Gradual reductions may be manageable, but a sudden cut is unfair."
Concerns about access to higher education in Bangladesh are not new. Currently, although 12 lakh students are enrolled at the college level, only about half get opportunities in honoursprogrammes. The restrictions proposed for Central University could exacerbate this crisis.
Even though the seven colleges have more than 25 faculties, the draft specifies 23 for the proposed university and excludes Islamic subjects such as Bangla and English literature, Islamic Studies, History of Islam, and related disciplines.
Women's education at risk?
Eden Mohila College students have rejected the draft ordinance, saying it would undermine the college's heritage and purpose as a women's institution. They pointed out that its land and infrastructure were originally donated to expand women's education, making the proposed transfer to a "central university" unacceptable. Concerns were also raised about accommodation and security for female students.
Mahfil Ara Begum, convener of the Seven Colleges' Identity Protection Committee, said, "If co-education [allowing both male and female students] is introduced, it will create complications in the six hostels that now house 3,500 female students. Protecting women's freedom and security in education requires a separate plan."
In contrast, Badrunnesa College student, Imu Torofdar, argued that the ordinance would not reduce opportunities for women but rather enhance educational quality, dismissing the objections as views of a limited few.
BCS cadre teachers fear job insecurity
Although the draft states that 'competent faculty will be recruited by the new university authorities,' many teachers fear that the new university will require them to hold advanced degrees and conduct research, putting their eligibility at risk.
There are about 1,400 BCS education cadre teachers currently serving at the seven colleges, and they wish to remain under the university framework.
Mahfil Ara Begum, convener of the Seven Colleges' Identity Protection Committee, warned, "If the seven colleges are turned into a university, nearly 1,500 education cadre teachers' jobs will be at risk. The ordinance states that qualified teachers will be recruited, but no discussion has taken place with us about the definition of 'qualification.'"
Staff concerns
Mazharul Islam, who has been working at Eden College for 15 years, said, "We don't know if our jobs will be secure under the new structure. If the rules are strict, our future looks uncertain."
However, the interim university administrator noted that with a budget from the ministry, staff could be employed on a contract basis.
Higher secondary students fear loss of heritage
Higher secondary students worry that the merger will erode their colleges' historical identity. A Dhaka College student said, "We want the name and heritage of Dhaka College preserved. Losing its century-old history could affect both our studies and sense of identity. Even if the new university is implemented, pride and community spirit will remain only if previous standards are maintained."
Current students frustrated by academic division
The draft states that students from the 2023–24 and 2024–25 sessions will receive certificates under the new university, while other years remain under Dhaka University, creating a year-based split.
Rabiul, a Dhaka College 2021–22 student, said, "Students who protested against mismanagement and session backlogs are still left under Dhaka University in this draft, despite risking their lives for change."
