Dhaka: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed the establishment of an independent university, tentatively named ‘July 36 University’, to serve the seven government colleges in the capital. The final decision regarding the name will be based on student opinions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a three-member committee led by UGC Chairman SMA Faiz proposed the name during a meeting with Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud. Professor S M A Fayez explained that the proposed name aims to honor the contributions and sacrifices of students during the July-August uprising, carrying historical and emotional significance. Though the education adviser praised the proposal, the ultimate decision will rest with the students.
The move to establish ‘July 36 University’ comes in response to student protests demanding separation from Dhaka University. The seven colleges-Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls College, Government Bangla College, and Government Titumir College-collectively host around 200,000 students and over 1,000 teachers.
These colleges were affiliated with Dhaka University on February 16, 2017, after previously being under the National University. Since then, admissions, curriculum, and examinations have been conducted under Dhaka University’s purview. However, following a change in government, students intensified their movement for an independent university.
In response to these demands, a decision has been made that starting from the 2024-25 academic year, the undergraduate first-year admission tests for the seven colleges will no longer be conducted under Dhaka University.