TDS Desk:

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  DU will no longer oversee their admissions from 2024-25 session

• Students’ academic futures remain uncertain amid change
• Students demand new university instead of NU affiliation

The recent decision to revoke the affiliation of Dhaka’s seven government colleges with Dhaka University (DU) has sparked discussions about the formation of a new university.

The colleges in question are Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnessa Government Girls College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Government Bangla College and Government Titumir College.

After a meeting between DU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan and the principals of these seven colleges on Monday, the announcement came that from the 2024-25 academic session, DU will no longer conduct admissions for these colleges, raising questions about their future governing authority.

Niaz Ahmed Khan told the media: “We have decided through discussions on an honourable separation of the seven affiliated government colleges from DU.

“Our initial decision was that DU would not oversee the admission process for the seven colleges starting from the 2025-26 academic year. However, considering the current situation, we have moved that timeline up by a year.”

As a result of this decision, a new authority will need to take charge of these seven colleges promptly.

According to sources from the colleges, their students are unwilling to accept affiliation with National University. Therefore, the seven institutions will fall under a third authority.

Considering the students’ demands, establishing a university appears to be the only solution. However, establishing a new authority or creating a new university is a complex matter.

Sources also mentioned that the Ministry of Education had formed a committee to draft a framework for an institutional structure equivalent to a university for these seven colleges.

The four-member high-level expert committee was headed by the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

A NEW AUTHORITY

Prof Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, a member of the body, criticized the decision, saying the affiliation of the seven colleges with DU had been cancelled “without any discussion,” making the situation more complicated. “Resolving the issue falls within DU’s jurisdiction.”

When asked if recommending the establishment of a new university was feasible, another committee member said while the committee could make the recommendation, it could not create a university.

“This decision by DU to cease admissions for the 2024-25 academic year was not appropriate. Additionally, cancelling the affiliation suddenly after a meeting with the college principals was not the proper process. Time is needed for such a decision.”

This move had left the students’ academic futures uncertain and pressured the government into establishing a university, the member remarked.

Meanwhile, when asked about the next course of action, Dhaka College Principal Prof AKM Elius said a committee had already been formed, adding that decisions would be made based on its recommendations.

“In the meantime, we will conduct ongoing exams locally to ensure the students’ academic progress is not disrupted,” he added.

When questioned about the authority under which the seven colleges would now operate, Kabi Nazrul Government College Principal Prof Muhammad Habibur Rahman said: “Under a new authority.”

Regarding potential affiliation with National University, he categorically rejected the idea. “No, that will not happen. It will fall under a new authority.”

When asked if a new university would be established for these colleges, he told this correspondent: “Decisions will be based on the recommendations of the committee tasked with developing an independent institutional structure equivalent to a university. The government will determine the authority.”

The principal of another college, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the students would not accept anything other than a university.

“Hence, the government will likely have to move in that direction. However, no discussions have been held yet about forming a new authority.”

Notably, the protesting students’ main demand now is the establishment of a separate university for the seven colleges.