A long-awaited, radical change in Dhaka’s higher education system has begun. The final ordinance for the ‘Dhaka Central University’ (DCU), formed by bringing seven traditional public colleges in the capital under a unified and autonomous structure, has been published in the gazette. The Law Ministry’s Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division published the gazette at 10 a.m. on Monday (February 9).
Earlier, on January 22, the Advisory Council had approved the final draft of this ordinance. Issued by special order of the President, this ordinance is based on Article 93 of the Constitution. (1) has been enacted by Presidential Order, effective February 8. This decision marks a historic milestone in resolving the long-standing administrative complexities and session backlogs of the capital’s seven colleges.
The Emergence of a New Administrative Model
The Central University of Dhaka will be operated under a distinct model, primarily based on the National University with a blend of a modern autonomous university. The colleges under this university are: 1. Dhaka College 2. Eden Women’s College 3. Government Titumir College 4. Government Bangla College 5. Begum Badruzzaman Government Women’s College 6. Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College 7. Kobi Nazrul Government College
According to the ordinance, these colleges will retain their own names, traditions, infrastructure, and ownership of their real and personal property. However, their academic and administrative activities will now be under the direct control of Dhaka Central University instead of Dhaka University.
DCU will function as a fully autonomous institution. The Chancellor (the President) will serve as the head of the university. Additionally, the university will be governed by a strong Senate, Syndicate, and Academic Council. The Syndicate will be the executive authority of the university, and the Academic Council will oversee all matters related to the quality of education and examinations.
Key positions such as the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer, Registrar, and Controller of Examinations have been established for the university’s administration. Additionally, the UGC (University Grants Commission) will regularly inspect and evaluate the university’s academic and administrative activities.
Under Dhaka Central University, there will be faculties or schools for Arts, Science, Social Science, Business Education, Law, and Fine Arts. Each school will have a separate Dean or Head of School. Undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs, examinations, and result evaluations will be conducted according to a unified central schedule or calendar.
It is particularly noteworthy that this change is intended to free students from the session jam. The quality of education at the seven colleges will be standardized through centrally set question papers and evaluations. Additionally, M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs will be centrally managed at the colleges, which will further enhance research opportunities for the faculty of these colleges.
In this new system, a central entrance examination has been introduced alongside SSC and HSC results to bring transparency to the admission process. Based on the entrance exam and merit, students will have the opportunity to get admission to their preferred college.
The Dream of a Permanent Campus and the Current Reality
Currently, DCU does not have its own permanent infrastructure. According to the ordinance, the government will soon begin construction of a fully-fledged permanent campus. However, until the permanent building is ready, the university’s administrative activities will operate temporarily in rented buildings or other suitable locations. This will not disrupt students’ regular classes or activities.
A notable feature of DCU is its inclusive approach. It ensures equal rights for all students, regardless of religion, caste, gender, or birthplace. The university’s doors are even open to foreign students for higher education.
Notably, on March 26 of last year, the UGC had recommended forming a separate university with these seven colleges. Subsequently, on November 12, the long-standing affiliation of these colleges with Dhaka University was formally terminated. The interim government made this bold decision to address the students’ long-running protests and the pressure on higher education in the capital.
According to educators, the establishment of Dhaka Central University has ushered in a new era in Bangladesh’s higher education sector. With proper oversight and goodwill, this university will soon become one of the best educational institutions in South Asia.
Khalid Mahmud, the Ministry of Education’s Public Relations Officer, said in a statement, “This ordinance is not merely an administrative change, but a commitment to improving the quality of higher education for hundreds of thousands of students and securing their future.”