Gazette issued for establishment of Dhaka Central University

The government has issued the final ordinance establishing Dhaka Central University (DCU), bringing seven historic government colleges in the capital under a unified and autonomous administrative framework.

The ordinance, publihsed through a special order of the President, provides for the integration of seven colleges—including Dhaka College and Eden Mohila College—as affiliated institutions of the newly formed university.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued the ordinance on Sunday (February 8), exercising powers under Article 93(1) of the Constitution, amid an emergency situation following the dissolution of parliament. The ordinance has come into effect from February 8.

According to the ordinance, the seven government colleges placed under Dhaka Central University are: Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Titumir College, Government Bangla College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, and Kabi Nazrul Government College.

The ordinance stipulates that the affiliated colleges will retain their existing names, heritage, infrastructure, ownership of movable and immovable properties, and all prevailing facilities and privileges. Until a permanent campus is established, the university’s administrative activities will operate from rented premises or other suitable locations.

Dhaka Central University will function as a fully autonomous institution, with authority over teaching, curriculum development, degree conferral, higher education and research, training programmes, and industry-academia collaboration.

The President will serve as Chancellor ex officio, presiding over convocations and degree-awarding ceremonies. The university administration will include a Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer, Registrar, Controller of Examinations, Proctor, Provosts, Librarian, and heads of various schools and centres.

Provisions have been made for the formation of a Senate, Syndicate, and Academic Council, with the Syndicate designated as the executive authority and the Academic Council responsible for overseeing academic affairs.

The ordinance also includes arrangements for a Teacher-Student Centre and the holding of regular student union elections.

The university will be open to students of all nationalities, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or place of birth. Academic and financial activities will be monitored by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which will have the authority to conduct investigations and inspections and issue corrective directives if necessary.

Notably, on March 26 last year, the UGC recommended the formation of Dhaka Central University by separating the seven government colleges in Dhaka. Subsequently, on November 12, the colleges’ affiliation with the University of Dhaka was officially withdrawn.