Dhaka Central University is a public federal university in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was established through the merger of seven prominent government colleges in the capital city. Dhaka Central University was established by an ordinance promulgated on 8 February 2026. Under the provisions of the ordinance, it is the fifth autonomous public university in Bangladesh. The ordinance was subsequently approved by the Parliament of Bangladesh as a bill on 10 April 2026.
History The decision to form the university was made by the University Grants Commission (UGC) following prolonged demands from students for better administration and academic management.
In February 2017, the government of Bangladesh affiliated seven major public colleges with the University of Dhaka to improve the standard of higher education and introduce a modern curriculum. These colleges had previously been under Dhaka University before being transferred to the National University in 1992. However, challenges in administration and inefficiencies led to student protests beginning in October 2023. In response, the government formed a special committee in December 2023 to assess the feasibility of establishing a new independent university.
In early 2025, students of Government Titumir College intensified their demand for the institution's upgrade to a university. Beginning in late January, they organized hunger strikes and road blockades, notably obstructing the Mohakhali–Gulshan road. The protests focused solely on achieving university status for Titumir College. The Ministry of Education acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation. Following assurances from government representatives, the students suspended their protests.
Clashes between Dhaka University and college students in January 2025 worsened the situation. Dhaka University decided to sever ties with the colleges, effective from the 2024–25 academic session. While existing students remained under DU's administration, an expert committee formed by the Ministry of Education in December 2024 was tasked with overseeing the transition.
On 16 March 2025, the UGC finalized the name Dhaka Central University (DCU) during a meeting held at its headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka. The proposed name was to be submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval, followed by endorsement from the advisory council and formal issuance of an ordinance by the President of Bangladesh.
On 17 July 2025, Dhaka Central University received permission to start the admission process. On 8 February 2026, Government published ordinance regarding the Dhaka Central University. On April 10, 2026, the Bangladeshi Parliament subsequently passed the ordinance as a bill.
Structure
Dhaka Central University is planned to be established at a separate permanent site. Until the construction of its permanent campus is completed, the university will conduct its academic and administrative activities on a temporary basis using rented buildings and facilities.
Seven government colleges in Dhaka will operate as the university's Attached Colleges. Under this arrangement, the colleges will retain their own names, infrastructure, and control over their movable and immovable properties. At the same time, Dhaka Central University will conduct its own academic programmes at the Attached Colleges.
Students will be admitted through a centralized admission test and may enrol either at the main campus or at one of the Attached Colleges. The university will also centrally administer MPhil and PhD programmes at the Attached Colleges, while providing faculty development and advanced training for academic staff. In addition, residential halls, student union elections, and a Teachers–Students Centre (TSC) are also planned.
Administration
Administrator Until the appointment of a vice-chancellor, Professor A. K. M. Elias, principal of Dhaka College and interim administrator of the seven colleges affiliated with the University of Dhaka, also served as the administrator of Dhaka Central University.
+ Administrators of Dhaka Central University No. Name Assumed office Left office 1 A. K. M. Elias 2025 2026
Vice-chancellors The following individuals have served as vice-chancellors of Dhaka Central University:
No. Name Assumed office Left office 1 A. S. Md. Abdul Haseeb 15 February 2026 16 March 2026 2 Md. Nurul Islam 16 March 2026 26 September 2026 3 Md. Lutfor Rahaman 27 September 2026 Incumbent
Academic campuses The following seven government colleges are attached to Dhaka Central University. The attached colleges will operate as the university's academic campuses:
Dhaka College Eden Mohila College Government Bangla College Government Titumir College Begum Badrunnesa Government Mohila College Kabi Nazrul Government College Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College
Gallery Dhaka College campus
Eden Campus
Titumir campus
Bangla College campus
Badrunnesa campus
Suhrawardy campus
See also Education in Bangladesh Universities in Bangladesh List of universities in Bangladesh
References
External links
Affiliated seven colleges Ministry of Education University Grants Commission