The seven colleges’ journey with Dhaka University may end soon with both parties aiming for a fresh start separately.

The aim of the membership was to improve the quality of education and reduce session congestion.

But this “union” turned out to be far from harmonious. The relationship, which was established in 2017, now appears to be heading towards an official separation; Students from both sides are calling for an end to this relationship.

When the government first shifted colleges from National University to DU, the plan was to raise academic standards and streamline administrative processes.

However, this transfer did not have a solid operational plan, resulting in many disruptions for students. The intended benefits were never realized as exams were frequently postponed and results were often overwhelmed by administrative workload.

The colleges in question are Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Mohila College, Government Titumir College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Mirpur Government Bangla College and Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College.

For students here, “DU membership” means session congestion, uncertainty and increasing frustration.

Meanwhile, DU students often blame this affiliation for stretching university resources and straining academic programs.

Many DU students even called for the separation of universities, calling them a “burden” on the institution.

After prolonged student protests, the government is now considering some form of “divorce”; plans to end the universities’ affiliation with DU and is exploring options to establish an independent university.

On November 5, student representatives from seven colleges met Educational Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud, who assured them that the membership would be cancelled.

The consultant requested time to create a new structure that would potentially create a separate university specific to the colleges.

At a meeting held at the DU vice-chancellor’s office on November 2, supporters of the VC and representatives from the Student Movement Against Discrimination echoed similar sentiments.

In the meeting, where Youth and Sports Affairs Advisor Asif Mahmud was also present, the students called for a solution to the long-standing problems of both DU and the seven colleges.

Dhaka College student Abdur Rahman said that they have stopped their protests demanding a separate university for now and trust the government’s determination to meet their demands.

“The consultant assured us that DU membership would cease and asked for a reasonable period of time to create an independent body,” he said.

According to another student representative, the government assured them that the colleges would not revert to their previous relationship with the National University.

However, he added that no specific deadline was specified for the finalization of the plan.

A government official hinted that the University Grants Commission would be consulted to assess the infrastructure needs of an independent institution.

Sources from both the government and students said a committee of experts is expected to assess the impact of the proposed split on educational standards and student welfare.

Meanwhile, sources added that the relevant consultants are expected to conduct on-site visits to universities soon.

Students hope this potential “separation” will end years of academic delays and open the door to a system that better meets their needs.