DHAKA, Jan 30, 2025 (BSS) - The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed the establishment of an independent university with a proposed name 'July 36 University' for the seven government colleges in the capital.

However, the final decision regarding the name would be finalised based on student opinions.

A three-member committee, headed by University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman SMA Faiz, proposed the name during a meeting with education adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud today.

 “The proposal for 'July 36 University' has been made to honor the contributions and sacrifices of students during the July-August uprising. This name carries historical and emotional significance for students”, Professor S M A Fayez told BSS.

He said, “'We have informed the education adviser about our proposal, and the adviser also praised this name. We have also discussed with students and faculty members of the seven colleges in this regard. However, whatever the students decide will be final”. 

He expressed hope that if students accept this name, the establishment of the university can commence swiftly.

Following student protests demanding separation from Dhaka University, the interim government is moving forward with plans to establish this university.

The seven colleges are 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. The institutions collectively have around 200,000 students and over 1,000 teachers.

On February 16, 2017, these colleges, previously under the National University, were affiliated with Dhaka University.

Following the affiliation, admissions, curriculum, and examinations for these colleges have been conducted under Dhaka University.

After the change in government, students of these seven colleges intensified their movement demanding separation from Dhaka University and the establishment of an independent university. 

In response to their demands, a decision has been made that, starting from the 2024-25 academic year; the undergraduate first-year admission tests for these seven colleges will no longer be conducted under Dhaka University.