Highlights:
Dhaka University has placed a proposed Tk1,033.21 crore budget for FY2026-27, with a deficit of at least Tk83.85 crore.
"We cannot ensure the necessary investment in research due to inadequate funding. Dhaka University has received no allocation from the University Grants Commission for research in the FY2026-27 budget, which is unfortunate," Treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said while presenting the budget at the university's annual senate session at Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban yesterday afternoon.
Against the proposed budget, Tk949.36 crore has been shown as available financing, including Tk85 crore from the university's own sources.
After deducting the university's own income, Tk864.36 crore will come through the University Grants Commission.
The treasurer said leading Asian universities in Singapore, South Korea, China and Japan spend 10% to 25% of their total budgets on basic and applied research.
He said Dhaka University had sought Tk1,422.63 crore for FY2026-27.
"As the university did not receive the allocation it had sought, the main budget was fixed at Tk1,033.21 crore," he said.
The proposed budget is Tk389.42 crore lower than the university's demand, he added.
Analysing the proposed operating budget, Professor Jahangir said a large part of expenditure is fixed for salaries, allowances and related benefits of teachers, officers and employees, as well as pensions and retirement benefits.
"The remaining amount has to cover goods and services, repair and maintenance, research grants and other operating expenses," he added.
As a result, it becomes difficult to keep adequate funds for essential areas such as research, library development, laboratory modernisation and student welfare, he said.
The treasurer described the UGC allocation as inadequate.
He said the funds provided by the government through the UGC for running the university, research and development were insufficient compared with the university's needs.
He also said the university does not regularly receive funds to meet research and student needs at individual or institutional levels.
Professor Jahangir said universities in the developed world had achieved financial self-reliance through endowment funds, industry links and alumni donations.
"We must also move in that direction. We expect adequate support from alumni in this regard," he said
DU / Budget / UGC
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