by 
19 May 2025 : After overcoming prolonged complications, the seven prestigious government colleges in the capital, affiliated with Dhaka University, have finally received an interim administration. Professor AKM Elias, the Principal of Dhaka College, has been appointed as the administrator to oversee the transition toward establishing these colleges as an independent university, tentatively named Dhaka Central University.
The decision was confirmed through a notification issued on Sunday (18 May) by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education. According to the notification, Professor Elias will serve as the administrator of the proposed university in addition to his role as the Principal of Dhaka College. He will receive an additional duty allowance as per regulations and will continue in this role until either the end of his contract as principal or as determined by the government.
Experienced Leadership to Benefit Administration
Professor Elias previously served as the coordinator for the seven colleges, giving him extensive knowledge of their administrative structure and academic realities. Analysts believe this experience was a key factor in his appointment as administrator. His leadership is expected to address longstanding issues and expedite the colleges’ transition into a unified university.
The notification also highlighted that Professor Elias was reappointed as Dhaka College Principal on 18 May under Section 49 of the Government Service Act, 2018, on a two-year contractual basis. This reappointment was made with conditions, including the suspension of his post-retirement leave (PRL) and the relinquishment of any affiliations with other professions or institutions.
Boost to Stalled Activities
The absence of an administrator had stalled critical activities for the proposed Dhaka Central University, including admissions for the 2024-25 academic year, budget planning, and the academic calendar. With the appointment of Professor Elias, these processes are expected to gain momentum.
Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC), told Dhaka Post that the UGC had completed all necessary preparations and forwarded the file to the Ministry of Public Administration, which subsequently appointed the administrator. He added that the new administrator would soon issue directives for admission tests and other administrative tasks, with the UGC overseeing the overall process.
Students Welcome the Move, Demand Long-Term Roadmap.
Students have hailed the appointment as a significant achievement, though they emphasized that their movement will continue until a comprehensive ordinance and university framework are finalized. Md. Abdur Rahman, a student at Dhaka College, described the appointment as a major step forward but urged authorities to promptly publish the full ordinance and roadmap for the university.
Analysts stress the need for a long-term roadmap to ensure the success of the seven colleges’ transformation. Stakeholders are hopeful that Professor Elias’s effective leadership will resolve ongoing challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for these institutions.
AI/MR
