After a night of intense clashes and counter-demonstrations, Dhaka University has decided to formally sever its affiliation with the capital’s seven colleges.
DU Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan announced the decision during a press briefing following an emergency meeting with the principals of the seven colleges on Monday (27 January).
In a written statement, he expressed regret over the recent conflicts between DU and the affiliated colleges, stating, “After thorough discussions in the emergency meeting, we have resolved to ensure a dignified separation between Dhaka University and the seven colleges.”
Consequently, from the 2024-25 academic year onwards, no new students will be admitted to these colleges under Dhaka University.
Additionally, the meeting strongly recommended that the special expert committee, formed by the Ministry of Education on 29 December 2024, oversee the academic activities of the colleges from the upcoming academic year.
The committee will also determine seat allocations, admission fees, and other relevant matters.
However, the vice-chancellor assured that students currently enrolled under Dhaka University would not face any disruption in their academic pursuits and that the university administration would take full responsibility for their smooth continuation.
The seven institutions in question—Dhaka College, Eden College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Government Titumir College, and Mirpur Government Bangla College—were brought under Dhaka University’s jurisdiction by former Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, in light of their academic and administrative achievements.
Since then, however, multiple waves of protests have erupted, with demands for the removal of these colleges from Dhaka University’s affiliation.
The latest decision marks the end of a contentious chapter in the university’s administration.
