Tk 226 crore allocated for research, reports of no budget false: UGC

Tk 226 crore allocated for research, reports of no budget false: UGC

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has clarified that reports claiming no budget allocation for research in public universities are incorrect. The commission said Tk 226 crore has been allocated for research in the 2026-27 fiscal year, which is approximately 13 per cent higher than the previous fiscal year.

In a press release on Friday, July 3, the UGC said reports published in some media outlets based on incomplete information did not reflect the full picture of research funding, potentially causing confusion among teachers, researchers and students.

According to the UGC, the government has made research project funding easier, more transparent and researcher-friendly. Efforts have also been made to avoid duplication in the research sector. However, this will not affect the academic freedom, institutional identity, research priorities or subject-based diversity of the universities.

The release also said all public universities were sent a letter on July 2 asking them to submit their research plans, sub-sector financial requirements and budget estimates for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Funds will be released quickly after receiving the universities' proposals.

The UGC has also urged universities to focus on three areas to strengthen research: involving more undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students in research, creating a research environment combining senior and junior researchers, and aligning research projects with national needs and government priorities.