Ordinance on ‘Dhaka Central University’ involving 7 colleges finalised, awaiting approval

The Ministry of Education has finalised the ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University by incorporating seven government colleges in the capital. After prolonged anticipation and protests, the final draft of the ordinance was prepared and sent to the Cabinet Division on Sunday, January 18, for approval.

The information was confirmed in a press release signed by Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer Khalid Mahmud.

The release said that all formalities at various levels of the Ministry of Education, including the Secondary and Higher Education Division, have been completed and the final draft has been submitted for approval. It is expected to receive clearance from the appropriate authorities at the earliest.

It said that opinions from relevant ministries and divisions were taken before finalising the ordinance. Public feedback was also collected by publishing the draft on the ministry’s website, holding consultations with teachers and students, civil society representatives, and seeking opinions from education experts.

The ministry said the primary objective of the ordinance was to reflect the reasonable expectations of stakeholders and establish a structure suitable for ensuring quality and modern higher education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Progress updates were shared with the public throughout the process through regular press releases.

It is worth noting that on March 16 last year, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Rahman first announced at a press conference that a new university—Dhaka Central University—would be formed by incorporating seven colleges affiliated with the University of Dhaka. However, delays in issuing the ordinance led to dissatisfaction among students.

As part of the ongoing movement, students of the seven colleges staged protests last week by blocking key roads in the capital, continuing demonstrations demanding the immediate issuance of the ordinance and the effective establishment of the independent university.

Students of these seven colleges, affiliated with the University of Dhaka, have long demanded a separate university. Since their affiliation in 2017, students have repeatedly complained about delays in publishing exam results, administrative complications, and academic uncertainty.

Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government during the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, the movement gained further momentum, and the demand for a separate university for the seven colleges received renewed importance under the new administration.

The seven colleges to be included in Dhaka Central University are: 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.

Students hope that once the new university is established, administrative complications will decrease, academic activities will gain momentum, and the quality of higher education will improve. They also expect enhanced opportunities for research, accommodation, and campus-based facilities.