A framework for establishing an independent institutional structure equivalent to a university for the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University will be drafted, according to recent updates from the Ministry of Education.
A four-member high-level expert committee has been formed to carry out the task, with the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) designated as the head of the committee.
The members include the additional secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, Dhaka University's pro-vice-chancellor, and UGC member Professor Tanzimuddin Khan.
The committee has been directed to complete its work within four months, with letters issued to relevant stakeholders outlining the details.
As part of its mandate, the committee will explore alternatives to transition the seven colleges from Dhaka University's affiliation to an autonomous institutional framework while maintaining their independent identities.
The proposed structure is intended to be on par with a university. The committee will also liaise with senior government authorities and engage representatives of students, faculty, and other stakeholders in the process.
In 2017, under the directive of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina, seven government colleges in the capital—Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Mohila College, Government Bangla College, and Government Titumir College—were affiliated with Dhaka University to improve the quality of education.
Since then, admissions, examinations, and academic activities for these colleges have been overseen by Dhaka University.
However, students of these colleges have been staging protests for several months, demanding the establishment of a separate, independent university for these institutions.
