Dhaka: The proposed Dhaka Central University (DCU) will conduct its academic and research activities by dividing the seven colleges in the capital into four schools, said Additional Secretary Mojibur Rahman, who is in routine charge of Secretary of the Ministry of Education. These will include the School of Science, School of Arts and Humanities, School of Business Studies, and School of Law and Justice. The establishment of DCU, comprising the seven colleges, will be implemented in four phases, he announced at a press conference at the ministry’s conference room in the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Secretary explained that the schools will be identified based on the respective colleges. A new structural model has been proposed for the university, with an institutional framework that includes 40 percent of classes conducted online and 60 percent offline. Students will have the option to change disciplines in their third year. University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Dr SMA Faiz stated that students’ demands have been accepted and efforts are being made to ensure the best outcome. He emphasized the need for cooperation from all stakeholders to achieve a constructive solution.
The press conference, attended by officials from the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, revealed that a hybrid teaching model will be adopted. This model includes provisions for laptops and affordable internet access. Existing students will complete their studies under the previous academic structure, while the university will follow an interdisciplinary and hybrid education model. All examinations will be held in person. The academic journey will begin with non-major courses during the first four semesters, followed by major courses in the next four based on the chosen discipline.
In the third year, students may change their discipline subject to certain conditions, but campus transfers will not be allowed. University activities will be governed by the Academic Council, Senate, and Syndicate. A Proctor will be appointed, along with one male and one female Deputy Proctor in each college, totaling 14 Deputy Proctors across the seven colleges.
A UGC member explained how this university differs from Dhaka University or others. All students will study non-major courses in the first two years, after which disciplines will be assigned based on specific marks. For instance, a student may qualify for Accounting or Management depending on their scores. This model, although not widely available globally, has been developed after reviewing various international models.
The press conference also disclosed that the university will be established in phases. Following the approval of the draft law and issuance of the ordinance, a tripartite agreement will be signed between the Ministry of Education, the UGC, and the university. Administrative and academic activities will then commence, including the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor. The main campus of the proposed central university will be located in a convenient area for all, and the new structure has been designed considering current realities and limitations.
HSC-level education will continue in five of the seven colleges. Undergraduate and HSC students will share campus resources through a time, space, and resource sharing model. Students at various levels will complete their education under the existing academic framework. Measures will be implemented to conduct timely exams, publish results quickly, and reduce session congestion.
Additionally, it was announced that teachers, officers, and staff will be centrally recruited and distributed among colleges as needed. Budgeting and management will be handled centrally by the university. Each college will have a modern library, cafeteria, medical center, and transportation system. Admissions will be conducted centrally, with the number of students in each discipline determined rationally by the authorities. Every student will receive a laptop and necessary accessories in the first year, along with affordable internet services. Administrative tasks such as admission, registration, and applications will be completed through an IT-based digital system, allowing students to make inquiries through the IT platform.