The government has approved the Dhaka Central University Ordinance, 2026 -- a measure designed to bring seven government colleges in the capital under a unified academic structure to enhance the quality of higher education and resolve long-standing administrative gridlocks.

The approval came from a meeting of the Council of Advisers held today, presided over by the chief adviser, said a press release issued by the education ministry.

Under the new ordinance, the seven institutions -- Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls' College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Bangla College, and Government Titumir College -- will function as affiliated colleges.

However, the colleges will retain their individual identities, infrastructure, and rights over their movable and immovable assets.

The ordinance outlines a comprehensive administrative framework for the university, comprising chancellor, vice-chancellor, senate, syndicate, and academic council. The president will serve as the chancellor and appoint the vice-chancellor from a panel nominated by the senate.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been empowered to inspect, evaluate, and issue directives regarding the university’s academic, research, and administrative activities.

The university will establish separate schools for various disciplines -- including arts, science, social science, business studies, law, and fine arts -- each led by a “head of school”. Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, examinations, and evaluations across the affiliated colleges will be conducted under a unified schedule and assessment framework.

Admission to the main campus or the affiliated colleges will be based on SSC and HSC results combined with a central admission test. The university will also conduct MPhil and PhD programmes centrally and provide opportunities for teacher development and advanced training.

The ordinance includes specific provisions for residential hall facilities, student union elections, and co-curricular activities. While plans are in place to construct a permanent self-sufficient campus, the university will temporarily operate through interim arrangements.

To ensure inclusivity, the law mandates equal opportunities for all eligible local and international students, prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or special needs.

The Secondary and Higher Education Division expressed optimism that this decision will help resolve the long-standing administrative complexities of the seven colleges and will create an integrated, modern, research-oriented, and student-friendly environment for higher education in Dhaka.

The UGC will regularly monitor the institution to ensure education and research standards meet international benchmarks.