The decision to form the university was made by the
University Grants Commission (UGC) following prolonged demands from students for better administration and academic management. In February 2017, the government of Bangladesh affiliated seven major public colleges with the
University of Dhaka to improve the standard of higher education and introduce a modern curriculum. These colleges had previously been under Dhaka University before being transferred to the
National University in 1992. However, challenges in administration and inefficiencies led to student protests beginning in October 2023. In response, the government formed a special committee in December 2023 to assess the feasibility of establishing a new independent university. In early 2025, students of
Government Titumir College intensified their demand for the institution's upgrade to a university. Beginning in late January, they organized hunger strikes and road blockades, notably obstructing the Mohakhali–Gulshan road. The protests focused solely on achieving university status for Titumir College. The Ministry of Education acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation. Following assurances from government representatives, the students suspended their protests. Clashes between Dhaka University and college students in January 2025 worsened the situation. Dhaka University decided to sever ties with the colleges, effective from the 2024–25 academic session. While existing students remained under DU's administration, an expert committee formed by the Ministry of Education in December 2024 was tasked with overseeing the transition. On 16 March 2025, the UGC finalized the name Dhaka Central University (DCU) during a meeting held at its headquarters in
Agargaon, Dhaka. The proposed name was to be submitted to the
Ministry of Education for approval, followed by endorsement from the advisory council and formal issuance of an ordinance by the
President of Bangladesh. On 17 July 2025, Dhaka Central University received permission to start the admission process. On 8 February 2026, Government published ordinance regarding the Dhaka Central University. On April 10, 2026, the Bangladeshi Parliament subsequently passed the ordinance as a bill. == Structure ==