The name for the new university comprising seven government colleges in the capital has been officially finalised as "Dhaka Central University", under which its academic activities will be conducted.
The decision was taken on Sunday (16) during a meeting held at the University Grants Commission (UGC) building in Agargaon, Dhaka, where a 32-member delegation of students participated in discussions.
With this, the interim government’s initiative to establish an independent university by amalgamating the seven government colleges formerly under the University of Dhaka has reached its final stages.
Five prospective names had emerged, with students particularly favouring two of them.
In February 2017, seven prominent government colleges in Dhaka—Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Mohila College, Shahid Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Mirpur Bangla College, and Government Titumir College—were brought under the administrative umbrella of the University of Dhaka to enhance academic standards and modernise the education system.
However, concerns over administrative inefficiencies and mismanagement by the university authorities led to growing dissatisfaction among students, culminating in large-scale protests in October last year.
Responding to these concerns, the government established a special committee in December to explore the feasibility of a separate university.
Over the past three months, the committee has conducted extensive campus visits, reviewed administrative structures, and engaged in discussions with faculty members and students to chart out a viable separation plan.
On 18 February, the University Grants Commission (UGC) invited proposals from all stakeholders regarding the name of the new university.
A consultative meeting at the UGC will finalise the name on Sunday (16 March).
Names Under Consideration A significant number of students have expressed support for naming the institution "Dhaka Central University" or "Dhaka Kendrio Bishwabidyalay".
Other names being considered include "Bangladesh Central University", "Bangladesh Kendrio Bishwabidyalay", "Dhaka Metropolitan University", "Dhaka Mohanagar University" and "Dhaka Science and Technology University".
The UGC meeting was attended by members of the education ministry’s special committee, administrative officials, and student representatives selected from previous consultation sessions.
The final name will be officially announced through a notification.
The formation of an independent university is expected to enhance academic facilities, improve teaching standards, and foster an environment conducive to research and innovation.
