Dhaka University unveils Tk 10.33bn budget with no funding for research

There will be a financial deficit of at least Tk 838mn, says the treasurer

A budget of about Tk 10.33 billion has been approved for Dhaka University (DU) for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with no funding set aside for research.

DU Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the budget was presented at the university’s annual syndicate meeting on Monday.

The proposed annual spending was Tk 14.22 billion.

Of the granted amount, nearly Tk 9.45 billion will be provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC) while the university authorities have planned to earn Tk 850 million in the upcoming fiscal year.

Prof Alam said there will be a financial deficit of at least Tk 838 million due to fund crunch.

The budget has prepared to ensure funding based on expenditure-based planning expenditure, he said.

“The purpose of the budget is not only to reduce expenditure but to ensure spending in necessary sectors by reducing waste.”

The annual spending of the outgoing fiscal year was Tk 13.55 billion whereas the research allocation stood at Tk 210 million, nearly 2 percent of the total budget.

Treasurer Alam blamed the UGC for the latest research fund debacle, calling the decision “unfortunate”.

While leading universities in neighbouring countries benefit from research investment, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Dhaka University to compete in international quality research with inadequate allocations, he lamented.

According to him, the salary structure for teachers lags behind international standards and even those of equivalent universities in neighboring countries.

The treasurer said there is a “glaring” lack of adequate research allowances, laboratory facilities, and opportunities to participate in international conferences.

“As a result, talented teachers and researchers are discouraged and leave the country in search of better opportunities, which accelerates brain drain and harms the nation in the long run."

He demanded ensuring “dignified salaries, competitive research allowances, and a research-friendly environment for teachers to retain qualified human resources”.

In addition, there has been no allocation for talented students from disadvantaged and poor families.

In the new fiscal year, 53.22 percent of the total budget will be spent on salaries and allowances for university teachers and employees and 14.55 percent on pension and retirement benefits.

Another 21.58 percent is meant for total goods and services.