DU proposes Tk 1,033 crore budget, allocation for research ‘zero’

Dhaka University (DU) has presented a proposed budget of BDT 1,033 crore 21 lakh 83 thousand for the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal year. However, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has made no direct financial allocation for the university's research sector, according to University Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

The Treasurer disclosed the information while placing the proposed budget before the annual session of the DU Senate at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on Monday afternoon.

He stated that out of the total BDT 1,033.21 crore budget, BDT 949 crore 36 lakh will be sourced through the UGC grant and the university's internal revenue, leaving a financial deficit of at least BDT 83 crore 85 lakh 45 thousand.

"Necessary investment in the research sector cannot be ensured due to a severe shortage of funding. No allocation has been received from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the research sector in the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget, which is highly regrettable for Dhaka University," the Treasurer remarked.

He further contrasted the situation with regional standards, adding, "On the other hand, leading Asian universities in countries like Singapore, South Korea, China, or Japan spend 10% to 25% of their total budgets exclusively on basic and applied research."