Dhaka central univ ordinance approved

The government yesterday approved the Dhaka Central University Ordinance, 2026, a measure aimed at bringing seven government colleges in the capital under a unified academic structure to enhance the quality of higher education and resolve long-standing administrative gridlocks.

The approval came at a meeting of the Council of Advisers, presided over by the chief adviser, according to a press release issued by the education ministry.

Under the ordinance, the seven institutions -- Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Bangla College and Government Titumir College -- will function as affiliated colleges.

The colleges will retain their individual identities, infrastructure and rights over their movable and immovable assets.

The University Grants Commission has been empowered to inspect, evaluate and issue directives on the university’s academic, research and administrative activities.

The university will establish separate schools for various disciplines, including arts, science, social science, business studies, law and fine arts, each led by a head of school.

Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, examinations and evaluations across the affiliated colleges will be conducted under a unified schedule and assessment framework.

Admission to the main campus or affiliated colleges will be based on SSC and HSC results, combined with a central admission test. The university will also conduct MPhil and PhD programmes centrally and provide opportunities for teacher development and advanced training.

The ordinance includes provisions for residential hall facilities, student union elections and co-curricular activities. While plans are in place to construct a permanent, self-sufficient campus, the university will operate temporarily through interim arrangements.

To ensure inclusivity, the law mandates equal opportunities for all eligible local and international students and prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender or special needs.