JS Correspondent:

The thirteenth national parliament on Friday passed the Dhaka Central University Ordinance 2026, paving the way for seven of the capital’s government colleges to operate under a unified university structure.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon presented the ordinance during the afternoon session, and it was approved through voice vote.

The legislation was originally introduced in parliament on March 12 by Law Minister Barrister Asaduzzaman and had received initial approval from the interim government’s advisory council on January 22 under the chairmanship of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

The ordinance brings together Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Bangla College, and Government Titumir College as affiliated colleges under the new university.

Each institution will retain its individual identity, infrastructure, and asset ownership while operating within the integrated academic framework.

The university will feature a full administrative structure including a Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Senate, Syndicate, and Academic Council. The President will serve as Chancellor, while the Vice Chancellor will be appointed from a panel nominated by the Senate.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been given authority to oversee academic programs, examinations, research, and administrative operations.

Academic programs will be organized into separate schools covering arts, science, social science, business studies, law, and fine arts, each led by a Head of School. Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, examinations, and assessments across all affiliated colleges will follow a uniform framework.

Students will gain admission to either the main campus or affiliated colleges based on SSC and HSC results combined with a centralized entrance examination. The university will also offer MPhil and PhD programs alongside faculty development and advanced training initiatives.

The ordinance includes provisions for residential hall facilities, student union elections, and co-curricular activities. Plans for constructing a permanent campus have been outlined, with interim arrangements in place to ensure operations begin without delay.