Education Adviser Professor Dr CR Abrar on Thursday said initiatives are being taken to place the Dhaka Central University Ordinance in meeting of council of advisers at the earliest for giving the merger of seven colleges a legal base.
“The ordinance has already received preliminary approval from the Ministry of Public Administration and has been sent back to the Ministry of Education. It is likely to be placed before the Cabinet next Sunday,” he said at his office at the Secretariat on Thursday.
The adviser also said classes for students already admitted to the Dhaka Central University began so that there is no disruption to their academic lives.
After getting approval from the council of advisers and signature from the President, the ordinance will be formally promulgated at the earliest, he said.
Abrar said the revised draft of the Dhaka Central University Ordinance—incorporating decisions taken at the inter-ministerial meeting—was sent to the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday. After receiving preliminary approval, it was sent back to the education ministry, he added.
He noted that promulgating an ordinance requires not only approval from the council of advisers but also clearances from several offices of different ministries, including the law ministry.
While this process usually takes three to six months, the education ministry has completed it within one and a half months, he said.
The adviser said the ordinance, framed to ensure administrative excellence and meet the legitimate demands of students is being placed for final approval of the Advisory Council after obtaining policy clearance from the Cabinet Division and vetting of the Legislative Division as quickly as possible.
He added that classes of students admitted to Dhaka Central University in the 2024–25 academic year have already commenced, which is an important step in maintaining continuity in academic activities.
Abrar emphasised that patient cooperation and the professionalism of teachers and students are essential for the successful implementation of this new higher educational institution.
He urged all concerned to remain vigilant so that students’ academic lives are not disrupted by any rumours.
He further said there are two technical issues with the Dhaka Central University Ordinance: one is the lack of quality education in the past, and the other is ensuring that students can complete their academic programmes within the stipulated time.
The process of finalising the new ordinance by accommodating these two issues is currently underway, he said.
