A long-awaited decision regarding the future of Dhaka’s seven government colleges has finally been made, with the University Grants Commission (UGC) confirming the name of a new university: “Dhaka Central University.”
However, students and faculty must wait until 2031 before its full operation begins. Until then, these colleges will continue their academic and administrative activities under Dhaka University (DU) or an independent structure regulated by UGC.
The announcement was made on Sunday, March 16, by Jamal Uddin, UGC’s Deputy Director (Public University), following a meeting between UGC Chairman and representatives of the seven colleges.
While the name has been finalised, bureaucratic procedures will delay the university’s establishment. “The name has just been decided. Now, the legal framework must be established,” said Jamal Uddin. He explained that the process involves drafting laws, gaining parliamentary approval, and setting up institutional infrastructure. "The entire process could take until 2031," he added, underlining the long road ahead.
With the transition period extending for another six years, students currently enrolled in these colleges will continue under DU’s administrative structure. “Their education will proceed under a new framework within Dhaka University,” confirmed UGC's Deputy Director. DU will also oversee admissions for new students in the upcoming academic year.
The affected institutions include: Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, Government Bangla College and Government Titumir College.
Together, these colleges accommodate around 200,000 students and employ over 1,000 teachers, making them a significant part of Dhaka’s higher education landscape.
Previously, these colleges operated under the National University (NU) before being affiliated with Dhaka University on February 17, 2017. The shift to DU, however, was far from smooth. Students frequently staged protests over delayed examinations and result publications, with frustrations mounting over the years.
After nearly eight years of unrest, DU authorities announced in January that the seven colleges would be detached from its jurisdiction. In response, the Ministry of Education recently issued a directive stating that the colleges would operate under an independent structure within UGC. The directive also instructed DU to make necessary arrangements for a smooth transition.
For now, students and faculty must adjust to an extended period of uncertainty. With DU continuing to oversee education and admissions, the seven colleges will remain in transition until 2031, when Dhaka Central University is expected to be fully operational.
While the name marks a step forward, the lengthy legal and administrative process means that true autonomy is still years away.
