The proposed framework for establishing an independent university for the seven government colleges in Dhaka includes provisions for retaining higher secondary education in those colleges that currently offer it.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is drafting a separate institutional structure to ensure these colleges continue providing higher secondary education alongside university-level courses.
UGC member Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan told bdnews24.com on Sunday afternoon, “The colleges that currently offer higher secondary education will continue to do so.”
Earlier in the morning, a meeting was held at the UGC with students of the seven colleges, where it was decided that the proposed university would be named Dhaka Central University (DCU).
Tanzimuddin stated, “This is also a proposed name. Once the full framework is finalized, it will be included.”
The seven colleges, formerly affiliated with Dhaka University, are Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College, Government Bangla College, and Government Titumir College.
These institutions collectively enroll nearly 200,000 students.
Among them, Dhaka College, Suhrawardy College, Badrunnesa College, Kabi Nazrul College, and Government Bangla College offer higher secondary education.
Tanzimuddin said that an interim structure has been suggested for these colleges before they fully transition into an independent institutional framework.
The proposal has already been submitted to the education ministry.
He explained that the seven colleges will function within the university’s infrastructure, with higher secondary classes and exams continuing on the existing campuses, sharing classrooms and examination schedules.
The UGC member further stated that the colleges will remain under the jurisdiction of the Education Board, as per existing practice.
“The framework is being prepared accordingly,” he added.
On December 29, the education ministry formed a high-level expert committee of four members to develop the institutional framework for these seven government colleges, with Tanzimuddin being one of the members.
He emphasized that the education ministry has set an April deadline for completing the framework.
“The work will be completed within this time, and we have already made significant progress,” he said.
When asked about the timeline for the colleges to start operating under the independent framework, the UGC member noted, “It will take some time, as the framework must be approved by parliament and the cabinet.”
“However, it is possible for the law to be enacted through an ordinance during the interim government period,” he added.
