Dhaka Central University to be based on 'hybrid model'

Undergraduate and higher secondary students must share campuses through coordinated scheduling and resources

The seven government colleges under the proposed Dhaka Central University are set to be reorganised into four schools.

Unlike other universities, not all classes will be conducted in person, and the overall teaching and learning approach will differ.

Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Acting Secretary Md Mujibur Rahman said the university will adopt an “interdisciplinary” and “hybrid” education model.

Under this system, 40 percent of classes will be conducted online, while 60 percent will be held offline. However, all examinations will be held in person.

Mujibur, UGC Chairman SMA Faiz, member Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, and the interim administrator of the seven colleges, Dhaka College Principal AKM Elias, shared this development at a press conference at the education ministry on Monday.

Mujibur said that the seven colleges will be divided into four schools, while teaching and research activities will be conducted at the university.

Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, and Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College campuses have been designated for the School of Science, Government Bangla College for the School of Arts and Humanities, and Government Titumir College for the School of Business.

Kabi Nazrul Government College and Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College campuses have been selected for the School of Law and Justice.

He said that all students of the university will study in non-major courses for the first four semesters, and study in major courses according to the discipline for the next four semesters.

“However, in the fifth semester, students will be able to change [courses] as they wish, subject to fulfilling the conditions, but there will be no opportunity to change the campus.

“The main campus of the proposed university will be determined at a place convenient for everyone."

Mujibur said all activities of the new university will be conducted through the academic council, senate, and syndicate.

The university will appoint a proctor, while each of the seven colleges will have both a male and a female deputy proctor, bringing the total number of deputy proctors to 14.

Students studying at different levels will complete their studies according to the previous existing academic structure, he added.

“Measures will be taken to ensure timely examinations and publication of results. The existing higher secondary programmes at the colleges will continue.

“Undergraduate and higher secondary students will share the same campus, time, space, and resources.”

The seven government colleges in Dhaka were once affiliated with the National University. On Feb 17, 2017, the colleges were affiliated with Dhaka University.

However, since the affiliation, students have been protesting occasionally with numerous demands, including conducting examinations on time and publishing results.

In response to the student movement, the colleges were de-affiliated in January. Following continued demands and protests, the government decided to combine the colleges into a new university.

Speaking at a briefing, UGC member Tanzimuddin said: “The affiliation of the seven colleges with Dhaka University had no legal basis. Similarly, the way the affiliation was cancelled following the incident also had no legal grounds.

“We had to take special measures under authorised provisions to prevent any critical situation in the capital. I hope the legal framework, including the ordinance, will be finalised before the upcoming admission period.

“The admission structure that is starting now will be in the existing structure, supervised by the interim administration.”