BSMMU admin sidesteps Dr ABM Abdullah issue, VC absent from budget press conference

The Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) administration has declined to answer journalists' questions regarding the revocation of Professor Dr ABM Abdullah's 'Professor Emeritus' title. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr F M Siddiqui, was notably absent from the post-budget press conference on Saturday, June 27 .

The press conference was organised after the university's 100th Syndicate meeting approved the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Despite the invitation and event banner mentioning the VC's presence, he did not attend.

Treasurer Professor Dr Nahreen Akhtar and other officials presented various aspects of the budget. However, they expressed their inability to respond to questions regarding Dr ABM Abdullah's emeritus status and the recent death of a doctor, stating that these matters required consultation with the university administration.

Journalists noted that there was no precedent of the VC being absent from such budget briefings and questioned whether he was avoiding questions. The administration did not provide a clear explanation.

During the press conference, Treasurer Dr Nahreen Akhtar announced that a proposed operational and development budget of Tk 1,039 crore, 54 lakh, and 26 thousand for the 2026-27 fiscal year had been approved . Of this, Tk 634.80 crore comes from the Ministry of Health, Tk 136.28 crore from the University Grants Commission, and Tk 163 crore from the university's own income.

She noted a deficit of Tk 105.46 crore, which will be addressed by seeking additional allocation from the relevant ministry.

The budget has been themed 'A Healthy Bangladesh for Tomorrow's Bangladesh'. Priorities include healthcare services, research, modern medical education, digital classrooms, e-learning, electronic medical records, modern medical equipment, and additional allocations for free medicine supplies.