A new hybrid-model university is being set up for Dhaka’s seven major government colleges, where 40 percent of classes will be conducted online and 60 percent in person, according to the Ministry of Education. All examinations, however, will be held physically.

Named Dhaka Central University, the institution will mark a shift from the existing structure under Dhaka University. Details of its progress were shared at a press conference held at the Secretariat yesterday (4 August), reports Prothom Alo.

Speaking at the event, Md Mojibur Rahman, acting secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, along with UGC Chairman Prof S M A Fayez, UGC member Prof Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, and Dhaka College Principal Prof A K M Elias—who also serves as interim administrator for the seven colleges—outlined the model and structure of the proposed university.

Four schools across seven colleges

The seven colleges will be divided into four academic schools, each hosting a specific set of disciplines:

• School of Science: Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, and Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College
• School of Arts and Humanities: Government Bangla College
• School of Business: Government Titumir College
• School of Law and Justice: Kabi Nazrul Government College and Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College

Unlike the current setup, all subjects will not be taught at every college. Instead, classes and research activities will be distributed based on school-specific campuses.

Discipline change allowed, campus change not

Undergraduate students will follow a curriculum divided into two phases—the first four semesters will include non-major foundational courses, while the final four semesters will be major-specific.

Subject to certain conditions, students will have the option to switch disciplines in the fifth semester, but they will not be allowed to switch campuses. The university’s central campus will be set up at a location convenient for students from all colleges.

Transition from college to university

Officials at the press conference confirmed that the colleges will continue to offer higher secondary education, and Education Cadre officials will remain posted at these institutions. However, once the university is fully operational, faculty for tertiary-level education will be appointed under university rules.

An ordinance for the establishment of Dhaka Central University is expected within this year, though this year’s admissions will follow the existing procedures, the officials added.

A long road to reform

The seven government colleges were originally affiliated with the National University, before being brought under Dhaka University in February 2017. However, over the years, students repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction over delayed exams and results, leading to recurring protests.

Mounting discontent eventually pushed the authorities to reconsider the affiliation. In January this year, Dhaka University formally announced the separation of the seven colleges, prompting the government to initiate the formation of a dedicated public university.