Dhaka, April 12, 2025: Significant progress is being made towards establishing a new identity for Dhaka’s seven major government colleges, with “Dhaka Central University” (DCU) being formally proposed as the name for the forthcoming institution. This name was put forward by the University Grants Commission (UGC) following a meeting with student representatives from the seven colleges on March 16, 2025. However, this name requires further approvals from the Ministry of Education, the interim government’s Advisor Council, and finally, Presidential assent before an ordinance for the new university can be issued.
This development is part of a larger effort overseen by a high-level expert committee, formed by the Ministry of Education on December 29, 2024. Chaired by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. S M A Fayez, the committee includes UGC member Professor Tanzimuddin Khan, Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, and Additional Secretary Khaleda Akter from the Ministry’s Secondary and Higher Education Division. The committee is working towards completing its primary tasks within its four-month mandate, ending this April.
Interim Administration Nears Formation
A key step in the transition is the formation of an interim administration to manage the seven colleges until the new university is fully operational. This became necessary after Dhaka University (DU) announced its intention to disaffiliate the colleges following student demands. The expert committee members indicate that this interim administration is expected to be announced within April 2025.
The UGC has already recommended Dhaka College Principal, Professor A K M Elius, to head this interim administration, following an evaluation process involving interviews with all seven college principals. His selection was based on qualifications, experience, and administrative skills. Contrary to some reports referring to him as the “DCU Administrator,” UGC officials clarify his role is specifically as the head of the interim administration. As per guidance mentioned by the Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary, the institution of the appointed head, Dhaka College, will serve as the headquarters for this interim phase. Coordination desks will also be set up in each of the seven colleges.
This interim body, supervised by the UGC, will manage the upcoming 2024-25 academic year admissions process, which was paused under DU. The admission tests are expected to follow the format of previous years, with technical support from BUET and involvement of relevant DU officials. All financial transactions for this administration will be managed through a separate bank account under Dhaka University.
However, the final formation of the interim administration is contingent on formal approval from Dhaka University, where the proposal currently awaits processing through the Deans Committee, Academic Council, and Syndicate. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan confirmed that the process for an “honorable separation” is underway, involving coordination with the Ministry and UGC, and expects the remaining formalities to be completed within April.
Innovative University Model and Logo in Development
The proposed Dhaka Central University is envisioned to operate on a “Hybrid Model,” drawing inspiration from institutions like Durham University (UK) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Its motto is “Learning through interdisciplinary knowledge and teaching.” Plans include a mix of 40% online and 60% in-person classes.
Rather than duplicating all subjects across colleges, the university will likely feature faculty-based specialization. Initially, four ‘Schools’ are planned:
- School of Sciences: Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Govt. Women’s College.
- School of Business: Government Titumir College.
- School of Arts and Humanities: Government Bangla College.
- Law School: Kabi Nazrul Government College and Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College.
This model, being developed with input from BUET faculty, aims to preserve the heritage of the colleges, including existing intermediate sections. It will be finalized after consultation with the new Education Advisor, Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul (C R) Abrar.
A logo for DCU is also under development. Designs are being evaluated, focusing on incorporating symbols of all seven colleges, the university’s interdisciplinary nature, reflections of the July-August 2024 student movement (‘revolution’), and a modern aesthetic. The model and logo are expected to be announced in the first week of May, paving the way for drafting the university’s governing laws.
Background and Colleges Involved
The seven colleges – Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, Mirpur Government Bangla College, and Government Titumir College – were affiliated with Dhaka University in 2017. Housing approximately two lakh students, these institutions saw persistent student movements raising academic and administrative concerns, culminating in the demand for a separate university in September 2023.
The establishment of Dhaka Central University is anticipated to provide these historic colleges with a distinct identity and a governance structure focused on their specific needs, potentially leading to improvements in academic quality, examination management, and overall student experience. Stakeholders are now awaiting the final approvals and the operational launch of the new university structure.