The government is moving forward with plans to establish a new university for the seven government colleges recently delisted from Dhaka University. Amid administrative and academic complexities concerns, authorities are holding discussions with stakeholders to ensure a structured and efficient transition.
The government is actively working on forming a new university for the seven government colleges that were recently removed from Dhaka University’s affiliation. To facilitate this, officials are engaging in meetings with relevant stakeholders, considering opinions to create a structured academic and administrative framework. The goal is to maintain the colleges’ individual identities while integrating them under a unified institution.
In parallel, the Ministry of Education is also in discussions with students demanding separate university status for Titumir College. Another meeting with ministry officials is expected today (Monday), as the deadline for student protests approaches. Nayek Nur Mohammad, convener of ‘Titumir Oikya,’ stated on Sunday that further action will be announced after the deadline expires.
Professor SMA Fayez, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and head of the expert committee, confirmed that extensive teamwork is involved in the process. “We have gathered formal opinions from 12 teams, including student representatives, and will finalize a decision based on collective input,” he said, expressing optimism about a positive outcome.
Until the university is fully operational, UGC will remain actively involved in the process. The recruitment of faculty and staff will follow a verification process, and discussions are ongoing regarding the university’s official name. While an earlier proposal suggested ‘July 36 University,’ it faced opposition, and ‘Dhaka Metropolitan University’ is now under consideration.
UGC member Professor Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan highlighted concerns about faculty distribution, noting that the seven colleges have 1,400 cadre-service teachers and varying academic structures, including intermediate-level education in most institutions. The committee is working on solutions to ensure the colleges retain their uniqueness within the new framework.
Professor Md. Saidur Rahman, another UGC member, emphasized the importance of preserving the colleges’ legacy. “Each college could have its own faculty, or a central campus could be established for the university,” he suggested, confirming that discussions are ongoing.
The government-appointed expert committee previously submitted a proposal outlining an independent institutional structure equivalent to a university. On December 30, the Ministry of Education formed a high-level committee, led by the UGC chairman, to develop a blueprint for this transformation.
The situation escalated when Dhaka University officially delisted the seven colleges on January 27, following student protests at Dhaka College. This led to further demonstrations from Titumir College students demanding independent university status, creating significant administrative challenges.
Liberty News’ national correspondent states that despite concerns over potential complications, authorities see no alternative but to proceed with establishing the new university. The government and UGC remain committed to resolving the issue through dialogue and structured planning, aiming for a sustainable solution that meets both academic and administrative needs.
LND/BAIZID
